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HISTORY IN SCHOOL

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A PERFECT COUPLE STORMBENDER, P 42

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Vol. 9 | No. 18 // January 12-18, 2011

January 12 - 18, 2011

LUNCH BUNCH AFTER DARK (Please note: Lunch Bunch will not be lunch on Wednesday as usual, but we will have a special presentation in collaboration with Jackson 2000 on the evening of Thursday, January 13th)

Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6:30 pm MS Department of Education Auditorium Call to Action: Beyond the Bricks Produced by Washington Koen Media and supported by The Ford Foundation (NY), Beyond the Bricks is a documentary film project and national community engagement campaign created to promote solutions for one of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s critical problems in education: the consistently low performance of black males in school. This 30-minute film explores the stories of two young black students who are both struggling in public schools. The film also features commentary from nationally renowned education voices such as Dr. Pedro Noguera, urban sociologist, and John Jackson, president of the Schott Foundation. The film will be followed by a panel and audience discussion about the issues we face in our city and state, but we will focus on the solutions we have at hand.

Contact Linda Cockrell at 601-969-6015 ext 320 or e-mail lcockrell@parents4publicschools.org

Founding Chapter, Parents for Public Schools, 1989 200 N. Congress, Suite 500, Jackson, MS 39201

*ACKSON S 4HALIA -ARA (ALL

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January 12 - 18, 2011

Januar y 12 - 18, 2011

jacksonian

VOL.

9 NO. 18

contents

Riding the Bus Who’s riding the buses on the list of JATRAN routes the city is proposing to cut?

Cover photo of Chris and Shalon Wansley by Acorn Studio

THIS ISSUE:

AMILE WILSON; COURTESY TULIP FLORAL STUDIO; COURTESY MOMENTUM PICTURES AND YELLOW BIRD; B.I.G.F.A.C.E. / ENTERTAINMENT ONE MUSIC

AMILE WILSON

“I Do!”

31 33 34 36 36 37 37 42

The annual JFP Hitched issue shows the trends and more for brides-to-be and their grooms.

.............. Editor’s Note ............................. Talk ...................... Editorial ........................ Stiggers ............................ Zuga ...................... Opinion ...................... Opinion ...................... Hitched ......................... 8 Days .................. JFP Events .......................... Music ........... Music Listings ............................. Slate .......................... Sports ............................ Astro ......................... Puzzles .................. Body/Soul

beth hamilton Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.’s vision for the capital city is what keeps Beth Hamilton in Jackson. “I am 100 percent in love with this city, even though I have only been a Jacksonian for about two years,” she says. As Johnson’s policy coordinator, the New Albany, Miss., native spends the majority of her time on three responsibilities: overseeing the city’s legislative agenda, Jobs for Jacksonians and the Community Garden Initiative. Hamilton, 32, is frequently at the state Capitol meeting with legislators about bills that affect the city of Jackson, now that the state Legislature is back in session. Currently, Hamilton is lobbying legislators to pass a bill to remove a state commission that has approval authority over how the city spends a proposed sales-tax hike on safety and infrastructure repairs. “We can get a lot accomplished if we can get this passed,” Hamilton says. “It would bring in $200 million to the city (per year).” When she talks about her involvement with the Mayor’s Community Garden Initiative, Hamilton’s passion is amplified. “In one of my first conversations with Mayor Johnson, he was describing all of his visions for the city,” Hamilton says. “I was listening, and when he mentioned the community gardens, it just really interested me, even though I have never really been a gardener. Something about the idea just turned me on to it.” The initiative consists of community and city leaders planting seven community

gardens throughout the city, one in each ward. On most Thursdays and Saturdays you will find Hamilton working in one of the three community gardens that have been already been planted (wards 3, 4 and 7). Last month, children involved in the program sold produce from the gardens at the Mississippi Farmer’s Market. “[T]he gardens are open to anyone, but it is preferred for people to put in sweat equity and enjoy the fruits of their labor,” she says. Those “fruits” include tomatoes, squash, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, all types of greens, cabbage and broccoli. The city’s Jobs for Jacksonians Initiative targets low-income citizens to help them find employment opportunities. “It is a partnership between the city and the WIN Job Center that specifically meets the needs of these Jacksonians who are in the job market,” she says. Hamilton volunteers to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. She is the chairwoman of “Blondes vs. Brunettes,” a powder-puff football game in which women of opposing hair colors will battle each other to raise money for the National Alzheimer’s Foundation. The game is at Millsaps College, May 14, and she encourages anyone interested in participating to attend the Jan. 20 kick-off event at 6 p.m. at the Viking Cooking School in Ridgeland. For more information, visit bvbms.com. —Langston Moore

29 Roll ‘Em Pssst. Have you heard? Jackson has a new venue for independent films. Here’s the lineup.

33 Banner’s Back Mississippi rapper David Banner puts out a much-anticipated new album with 9th Wonder.

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The Color of Love

“Y

ou don’t know who you are, holding that cracker’s hand!” I heard a woman say as my husband and I walked down the street in San Diego. At first I didn’t register what she said, and I didn’t know if the words were directed at us. But as the middle-aged black woman got closer, it became clear she was talking to us. She was shaking her head at me with judgment on her face. The only response I could think of was, “He’s not white; he’s Mexican.” Prior to moving here from California, I was a little scared of what it would be like living in the South as an interracial couple. Would people say ugly things? Would people stare? Would our mixed-race son have a hard time making friends and fitting in? One in seven new U.S. marriages are interracial or interethnic, according to a 2010 Pew Research Center report entitled “Marrying Out,” based on 2008 U.S. Census data. Pew is a nonpartisan group that studies the behaviors and attitudes of Americans through public-opinion surveys and data analysis. A 2009 survey conducted by the center found that one in six or 63 percent of Americans “would be fine” if a family member told them they planned to marry outside their race. The survey also found that younger Americans (ages 18 to 29) are generally more accepting of the trend than older Americans (ages 30 to 49.) The findings stand in stark contrast to a 1958 Gallup poll that showed only 4 percent of Americans approved of marriages between “white and non-whites.” Yet, in 2010, a Louisiana justice of the peace refused to marry a mixed-race couple. And in 2007 former Boise State running back Ian Johnson said he and his bride, Chrissy, received phone calls, letters and personal threats

after he proposed to her during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma. Johnson is black, and Chrissy is white. It appears things are looking up, but underlying tensions still exist surrounding this topic. When it comes down to it all, it shouldn’t matter. My husband has known me since I was 15. That’s a long time, and our relationship hasn’t always been harmonious. We’ve teetered between blissful highs and, at times, seemingly insurmountable lows. Like all relationships, we are two distinct individuals with our own ideas of how to do things. We entered into this union with our respective goals, dreams, issues and baggage—the majority of which has little to do with skin color. In the late 17th century, North America passed anti-miscegenation laws that made it a crime to marry or have an intimate relationship outside your race. It wasn’t until the 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia that anti-miscegenation laws were overturned. The case involved a white man and black woman, Richard and Mildred Loving, who married in 1958 in Washington, D.C., because it was illegal to do so in their home state of Virginia. They were arrested in the middle of the night after they returned home. A judge sentenced them to a year in prison or exile from Virginia for 25 years. “Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents,” he said. “… The fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.” Wow. That’s all I can say to that. On the 40th anniversary of the historic Supreme Court decision, Mildred Loving said: “I am still not a political person, but I

am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.” Mike is my partner in every sense of the word. He is a fierce protector of my honor and my heart. He has held me up during my darkest moments of depression and debilitating illness. He has taken on several jobs at a time, or jobs far below his education and skills, to provide for our family. I have watched him mature in rearing our son to be a good man of character and integrity. He’s grown in his relationship with God—daily surrendering his life, pride and shortcomings to be a better man for our family. Mike is open with his feelings and sensitive to mine. And if that isn’t enough, he moved across the country so I could be close to my ailing mother. That alone deserves a standing ovation. When I look at my husband, I don’t see color as the sum total of who he is. I see a man who continually loves me “for better and for worst.” As we move into our eighth year of marriage, I know it’s time for me to step up my game. Although I’d had quite a bit of life experience before I got married, I was still fairly young. At 25, I was still getting to know myself. Because of this, or perhaps in spite of this, I have not always treated my husband fairly. I have been selfish in some of my decisions and have not always trusted his judgment. I have not always given him my best. It’s said that behind every great man, there is a strong woman. As black women, we are expected to be strong. Our strength has been forged on the backs of our ancestors as they endured the atrocities of slavery and segregation. In marriage, it’s imperative that we take that strength and not just hoard it for ourselves, but also pour it into the lives of the men we love. Use it to hold them up during the times life is trying to knock them down. Stand in his corner, cheering him on as he strives to accomplish his goals. I will do better to guard my husband’s heart, because men can be just as vulnerable as women. They have fears and insecurities, too. I will hold my tongue, and not allow my frustration to fling unkind and insensitive words that serve no purpose and produce nothing good. Instead, I will sow words and acts of kindness and gentleness into his spirit. I will exhibit understanding when he makes a mistake or fails, because I’d want him to do the same for me. Despite his flaws (and we all have them), my husband is trustworthy, patient with my foolishness and loyal. If I could go back to that day in San Diego I’d answer, “Actually, I do know who I am. I am a woman who chose this man, and in this man I’ve found an enduring love that I can only hope everyone else has in their lives.”

Holly Perkins Editorial intern Holly Perkins is originally from the Jackson area. Holly loves the arts—acting, painting, photography, writing and music. She is a freshman at Belhaven University and hopes to travel the world after she graduates. She wrote for Hitched.

Jesse Crow Former editorial intern Jesse Crow, a Pensacola, Fla., native, is a junior at Millsaps College. She enjoys playing with puppies, summer camp and going on long drives in her station wagon named Herman. She wrote for Hitched.

Natalie 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 for Hitched.

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 wrote Talks.

Langston Moore Langston Moore lives in Fondren with his new bride Lisa. He enjoys flea marketing, exploring historic downtowns and photography. He is employed by a statewide, non-profit agency. Follow him on twitter @lstonmo22. He wrote the Jacksonian.

Tom Ramsey Tom Ramsey is a lobbyist who teaches private cooking lessons, writes poetry and short fiction, runs with the bulls and has been known to produce an album or two. He owns Ivy & Devine Culinary Group (www.ivyanddevine. com). He wrote a food piece.

Bryan Flynn Bryan Flynn is a lifelong Mississippi native who resides in Richland. When not working for the JFP, he writes a national blog, playtowinthegame.com. He lives with his wife and their four cats. He wrote a sports piece.

Kimberly Griffin Advertising director Kimberly Griffin is a Jackson native who likes yoga, supporting locally owned businesses and traveling. In her spare time she plots how she can become Michelle Obama’s water holder.

jacksonfreepress.com

editor’snote

news, culture & irreverence

Thursday, Jan. 6 A protester who claimed President Obama wasn’t born in the United States is arrested for disrupting the reading of the Constitution in the U.S. House. … Republican Max Phillips announces he will run for Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner. Friday, Jan. 7 The Mississippi Department of Corrections release sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott after Gov. Haley Barbour suspended their life sentences for committing armed robbery. … The Centers for Disease Control reports that fluoride in water causes spots on children’s teeth, prompting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to propose lowering its recommended fluoride level in drinking water. Saturday, Jan. 8 Anti-government gunman Jared Loughner opens fire at a campaign event in Tucson, Ariz., killing six and wounding several including U.S. Rep Gabrielle Giffords. … Peter Kemboi of Kenya wins the Mississippi Blues Marathon finishing in two hours, 19 minutes, 47 seconds. Sunday, Jan. 9 A winter storm blankets the South with freezing rain, ice and snow, causing delays and power outages. Thousands of flights are canceled throughout the area, stranding travelers.

January 12 - 18, 2011

Monday, Jan. 10 Vice President Joe Biden arrives in Afghanistan to assess progress in handing over security to Afghan forces. … A Texas judge sentences former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Republican, to serve three years for money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Tuesday, Jan. 11 Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warns that North Korea is within five years of being able to strike the continental United States with an intercontinental ballistic missile. … Jackson State University officials announce they will not extend football coach Rick Comegy’s contract.

JATRAN’s Convenience Factor

by Natalie A. Collier

“D

on’t let it be gone already,” I repeated to myself, like a mantra, whizzing down State Street to meet photographer Amile Wilson. I’d spent a little more time than I’m willing to admit trying to figure the schedule out. “This seemed a lot easier in Chicago,” I mumbled. Amile and I had agreed to meet at Union Station downtown at 2:45 p.m. to ride one of the JATRAN routes Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. had proposed cutting. I’d heard time and again that the city buses sometimes run behind schedule, and I was kind of embarrassed that I hoped what I’d heard was true. I immediately chastised myself: “You’re driving a car to the bus station. The people who depend on the bus don’t have cars.” By the time I pulled into the lot across from Union Station, it was 3 p.m. I hurried across Mill Street into the transportation depot and spotted my bus-riding companion. He walked around, taking pictures; I mentioned to someone waiting on the bus that I wanted to catch the #10. “Did it leave already?” The woman looked at me curiously, as if she knew something I didn’t and responded with, “Why y’all taking pictures?” I explained to her who we worked for, and that because I’d been following what had been happening and gone to a couple of town-hall meetings, I thought it only made sense that I ride the bus, even if just for a bit.

AMILE WILSON

Wednesday, Jan. 5 A presidential panel investigating the BP oil spill announces that a similar disaster could happen again if the government and oil-drilling industry aren’t reformed. … President Barack Obama resubmitted his nomination of Mississippi Supreme Court Justice James E. Graves Jr. for a seat on the federal appeals court.

In 2009, 14,480 Mississippians tied the knot, and 12,210 untied it, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Fewer people are getting married every year in Mississippi and across the nation, according to a Pew Research study.

Quentin Whitwell matches the Republican demographic of Ward 1. p 11

JATRAN driver Dominic Marshall says the city needs a public-transit system that is not only reliable but has more routes and runs more often to draw more customers.

Apparently, my answer was sufficient because she then responded, “Hey!” to the bus driver. “She’s asking about the #10. Tell her.” He told me the #10 hadn’t run for about a year. I was confused. I thought that was one of the routes they had proposed cutting. “Oh yeah. It’s cut,” he said. An average daily ridership chart provided by JATRAN shows passengers take 19 total trips in a week on the #10, compared to Route #1, which averages about 1,836 total trips.

things like that

“There aren’t enough hours in the day for a teacher to teach civil rights and sex-education and things like that. The emphasis needs to be on mathematics, reading, writing and science.” —Mississippi Rep. John Moore, R-Brandon, regarding his proposed bill to repeal a law to teach Mississippi’s civil-rights history to schoolchildren.

Amile and I stepped on the #6 bus with driver Dominic Marshall, who was hesitant to give his name at first. I explained to him what we were doing, and he started to loosen up. As we waited until the exact time to pull off, Marshall talked about some of the things he believed would help the bus system. “Nobody in this city knows about transportation or federal grants. There are all types of new grants; JPD officers ride around in new cars,” he said, before he JATRAN, see page 9

olks are usually pretty good at choosing good places and times to pop the question, but for those in doubt, the JFP staff has compiled a short list of locations and situations guaranteed to raise questions about your sincerity.

In a public restroom By e-mail By Post-It note By Twitter At last call In Vegas When asking to borrow money Before your divorce is final At the Dixie National Rodeo While operating heavy machinery Under anesthesia (or when your beloved is under anesthesia) At a tea-party rally At your prom At a 2 Live Crew concert during “Big Booty Hoes Get Wit It” On the Senate floor

talk

news, culture & irreverence

JATRAN, from page 8

Gluten free pizza available by request

Facebook.com/MellowJACKSON

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@BrianAldridge Rep. Brian Aldridge, R-Tupelo @Snowlaw Rep. Greg Snowden, RMeridian @StaceyPickering Republican State Auditor Stacey Pickering, running for re-election @Brandoncjones Rep. Brandon Jones, D-Pascagoula @HaleyBarbour Gov. Haley Barbour @Toby_Barker Rep. Toby Barker, RHattiesburg @BillyHewes Sen. Billy Hewes, R-Gulport, running for lieutenant governor. @WarnerMcBride Rep. Warner McBride, D-Courtland. @MississippiAGO Attorney General Jim Hood Tweet others to @jxnfreepress.

www.MellowMushroom.com

good way to get information about what is going on at the state Legislature is to follow lawmakers who are using social media to reach their constituents and sending updates in real time. Here are a few lawmakers on our Twitter news feed: @PhilBryantMS Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who is running for governor in the 2011 elections @SenatorYancey Sen. Lee Yancey, RMadison @DelbertHosemann Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann @SenDavidBlount Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson @Dbaria Sen. David Baria, D-St. Louis @Terrycburton Sen. Terry Burton, RNewton

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Political Tweets

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the issue, Marshall said. “They come down to survey people in the afternoon—when it’s convenient for them,” he said. “That’s not when you get the real sense of who’s riding the bus. Come down (and) take a survey in the morning. Most people have to be at work at the same time. … But everybody doesn’t get off at the same time. Huh? They need to take that into consideration.” Those making decisions need to be less concerned with their convenience, according to Marshall. The general public needs to be educated, too, the mayor said after a Jan. 10 work session. “Finding $1.3 million is not a painless process. … I think the mode we ought to go into now is education mode. I think we need to let people know precisely what it means to them exactly. … Some of them—it might mean I have to walk an extra block to pick up the bus,” Johnson said. With Mayor Johnson’s declaration that he doesn’t know from where the $1.3 million will come to satisfy the debt JATRAN has accrued, for now passengers can rest their minds about routes being cut and JATRAN employees about losing their jobs. As Amile and I hopped off the bus, Marshall said, “I like that y’all want to know what you’re talking about when you write it. They need to pay attention about this bus thing.” We got off the bus, walked across the street and parted ways. I hopped back in my car and sped down the street, headed back to work. I was running behind for my next appointment. Comment at www.jfp.ms. AMILE WILSON

stopped himself. “How much are you going to say I said? Some stuff ain’t for everybody to know I said. Know what I mean?” Shaking my head in the affirmative, I said, “OK.” “If the buses ran more regularly, we’d have more passengers,” said Marshall, a middle-aged dark-brownskinned man with low-cut, thick hair that peaked from his cap and a gold tooth that flashed every now and then when he spoke. He reminded me of someone’s uncle. The eight-year JATRAN employee went on to explain how city officials don’t understand how important the bus system is in the city and how important his and his peers’ jobs are. “We have people’s lives in our hands. If you’re stressing about what’s going to happen to your job, you’ve got other things on your mind. You’re not paying attention to what you’re doing. That’s a problem. Huh?” he asked for affirmation. “Now you sure y’all want to ride with me today?” Marshall asked. “I’m going through the ’hood.” We assured him we’d be fine. We rode the entire route and picked up two riders: Alton Hutton and his 2-year-old son. Hutton doesn’t ride the bus regularly but knows people who do. “My car is down, but my neighbor rides all the time,” he said. “I asked her which bus I needed to catch.” Wilson and Marshall talked, and I played with Hutton’s son, as we continued our short trek on the west side of the city. If officials cut routes based on what I’d seen that day, their proposed cuts in routes and jobs would make sense. But that’s a part of

Legislature: Week 1

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he first week of the legislative session, which started Jan. 4, brought the beginning of bill submissions seeking to beat the Legislature’s Jan. 17 deadline for general bills and constitutional amendments. Leading the pack on new sources of revenue is Cleveland Democrat Sen. Willie Simmons’ bill to create a state lottery that dedicates its funding to the state’s universities and junior colleges, the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, and the Departments of Public Safety, Transportation and Revenue. Lottery bills generally die in committee, despite difficult state-tax revenue shortfalls for the last five years. Gov. Haley Barbour’ stated last year that he did not favor a lottery for moral reasons. “I am comfortable licensing gaming, but I don’t like the idea of the state actually being in the game,” Barbour told the Associated Press during the 2010 legislative session. Seeking to claim a moral victory of a different nature, Sens. David Jordan, D-Greenwood, and John Horhn, D-Jackson, are both submitting bills creating a sex-education pilot program for the state. Look for Republicans to kill Horhn’s SB 2135 and Jordan’s SB 2222 bill, if events pan out like last year. Republicans have typically smashed proposals to create a sex-education program, arguing that sex education should be up to parents. Program advocates argue that many parents aren’t performing this role, which contributes to Mississippi’s high teen-pregnancy rate. Both await votes in the Senate Education Committee. Clean energy is a topic again this year, as it has been in past sessions. Sen. Gray Tollison, D-Oxford, is looking to create the state’s first electricity net-metering buy-back program, where residents with solar- or wind-based electricity generators can sell the excess energy they generate back to power companies at a rate that will offset their renewable energy investment. Tollison’s SB 2201 is headed for the Senate Public Utilities Committee. Sen. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, is looking to pass a resolution, SCR 504, pressing the U.S. Congress to get with a nationwide energy program to promote the development

of renewable energy. Baria’s argument is that the U.S. spends $1 billion a day to import oil, and that renewable-energy programs will promote national and local job growth. The issue of crime-fighting is on the table this year. The state currently has a weak law against attempted crimes, specifically murder—an issue that makes prosecutors furious File Photo

K ET I N JAC

by Adam Lynch

A bill proposed by Rep. John Mayo would ban smoking in most public places but faces stiff opposition from the casino lobby.

and occasionally hobbles them when they try to work plea deals with suspects. Rep. Bennett Malone, D-Carthage, is chairman of the House Corrections Committee, and submitted HB 410 to the Judiciary A Committee. Malone’s bill creates an attempted-murder charge with a minimum penalty of 30 years imprisonment on conviction. Rankin County Assistant District Attorney Dan Duggan told the JFP last Friday that the 30-year prison penalty would add another tool in the prosecutorial arsenal and offer power to district attorneys in their push for plea bargains. Duggan said the closest charge prosecutors have to attempted murder is an aggravated-assault charge that carries only a 10-year maximum prison sentence. The voter-identification issue will be back in committee this year, as it has many times before. Rep. Bill Denny, R-Jackson, is submitting two bills that, if passed, would require voters to present state-issued photo identification at the polling booth. Denny’s bill, HB 237, allows voters to substitute a U.S. passport, student identification card or employee identification

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card in lieu of a state-issued driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. Denny also wants photo identification to be a factor in absentee voting. His HB 233, would require mail-in absentee ballots to contain a copy of a valid government-issued identification—the same photo-identification cards referenced in HB 237. “If after opening the envelope, no copy of a current, valid government-issued photo identification for which proof of citizenship is required, is found, the commissioner or executive committee shall write across the face of the envelope ‘rejected’ giving the reason therefore, and the registrar shall promptly notify the voter of its rejection,” Denny’s bill states. Groups such as the NAACP and the ACLU may fight voter ID bills should they survive the House Apportionment and Elections Committee. Both groups claim that African Americans and senior citizens frequently own no state-issued ID and that voter ID presents another hurdle in the election process. The House Apportionment and Election Committee, of which African Americans hold considerable influence, rarely allows such bills to pass, however. Other bills likely to die this year include one by Rep. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale, to prohibit smoking in most public places, from bingo houses to retail stores. House Bill 131, which is based upon the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke,” also prohibits smoking in the state’s more historically smoke-friendly environments, including casinos and bars. The powerful casino lobby, among others, will likely target the bill should it pass the Public Health and Human Services Committee. Another bill sure to stir argument is Picayune Republican Rep. Mark Formby’s HB 405. The bill allows churchgoers to carry their firearms into church, if the church so allows. The measure excludes the permit expansion to people who have a history of drug abuse or mental problems, among other issues. Comment at www.jfp.ms. 2003 • 2006 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010

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candidatetalk

by Adam Lynch

Ward 1 candidate Quentin Whitwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conservative chops will please Ward 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republican voters.

obbyist Quentin Whitwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republican background fits in well with Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historically conservative Ward 1. Candidates in a municipal special election do not declare political party affiliation, but Whitwell, who last year announced his run for the Ward 1 council seat in the upcoming Feb. 15 special election, has a background that makes clear his red-state status. Whitwell is the managing partner of Meadowbrook Strategies, which lobbies for issues favored by Senate Republicans and Republican Gov. Haley Barbour. Previously, he co-founded The Talon Group in 2004 with partner Chip Reno and other associates. In 2008, Talon merged with Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, which represents Gov. Haley Barbour and other Republicans. For one, Whitwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lobbied for legislation allowing power companies to buck the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s years-old process for funding new energy development. For decades, power companies could only charge ratepayers for the cost of building new energy plants after the plants were up and running. Whitwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company served Entergy Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in passing legislation that would allow utility companies to charge ratepayers for new power plants, even before the plants broke ground. In 2008, they succeeded in convincing legislators to pass SB 2793, a bill that empowered the Mississippi Public Service Commission to allow power companies to charge

customers before construction commences on new plants, â&#x20AC;&#x153;whether or not the construction of any generating facility is ever commenced or completed, or the generating facility is placed into commercial operation.â&#x20AC;? Meadowbrook Strategies said the law â&#x20AC;&#x153;offers protection to customers from future rate shock associated with new nuclear or coal plant construction,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;ensures â&#x20AC;Ś clean, affordable power for the future,â&#x20AC;? from â&#x20AC;&#x153;more diverse and stable fuel sources.â&#x20AC;? Whitwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firm also says it is one of the leading proponents of a new bill to create a taxpayer-funded charter school in the state. The company effectively sold the idea of a charter-school system to Mississippi legislators and set up a website (mseducationoptions.org) that contains a petition to push legislators and Barbour to support a new charter-school law. The result last year was the passage of SB 2293: The New Start Conversion Charter School Act of 2010. The law allows the Mississippi Recovery School District to act as a state body in taking over habitually failing schools. The district can then turn the failing school into a school sharing some charter characteristic, such as a hiring and firing policy independent of that mandated by the state Department of Education, and more freedom when building the curriculum. Under SB 2293, more than 50 percent of parents or guardians of students attending the school must approve the decision to adopt a charter format. Critics such as the NAACP claim charter schools undermine public education by siphoning limited public-school funds into new schools, leaving existing schools with new shortfalls. Senate Bill 2293 imposes more restrictions upon any charter schools created under the law. Many charter schools, such as the Knowledge is Power Program, known nationwide as KIPP, follow an open enrollment policy, but have the option of sending the child back to his former school if he or she violates the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract. Senate Bill 2293, however, forces any new charter school arising from a failed school to enroll the same student body from the original school. Whitwell said the final look of the bill

was not to his liking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in the past. ... I am unsure whether they will continue the fight in Mississippi due to the fact that they were disappointed in the final bill last year, and are concerned that the legislation will not work for public charter schools.â&#x20AC;? Whitwell said he still believes â&#x20AC;&#x153;very much in the need for charter schools.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the public-school arena, they instill competition, and they allow for families that are dissatisfied with their current status to have options. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important, because at the end of the day, schools are not about administrators but its students,â&#x20AC;? Whitwell said. Barbour championed another Meadowbrook Strategies project in 2006, approving a bill allowing Hurricane Katrina-devastated casinos to leave coastal waters and move 800 square feet ashore into a presumed storm buffer zone. Whitwell said the new law was a careful balance between the interests of the casino industry, which hoped to expand further, and those who wanted no casino expansion to areas not inextricably tied to water. Native American-owned casinos such as the Choctaw-owned Golden Moon casino, in Philadelphia, were already exempt from the law. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to be sensitive to both sides, but (the Talon Group was) hired basically to fall in line with the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position in the legislation,â&#x20AC;? Whitwell said, adding later, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to think that most of the issues we take a stand with are reasonable.â&#x20AC;? No other candidate has officially declared his or her intention to run for the Ward 1 position vacated by Jeff Weill, who took his new Hinds County Circuit judge seat this month. Would-be contenders, which include Marcus Ward, chief of staff under former Mayor Frank Melton, have until Jan. 26 to qualify. Monday, Jan. 17, is the last day for voters to register to be eligible to vote in the special election. The city of Jackson will extend the hours of city clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office between Jan. 10 and Jan. 14 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for voter registration, and will be open Saturday, Jan. 15, from 8 a.m. until noon. Watch jfpdaily.com for updates.

1935 Lakeland Dr. 601.906.2253

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Amile Wilson

Whitwell: A True Conservative

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erry Young is a 68-year-old grandfather, homeowner, taxpayer, and freelance legal writer and investigator. He’s also an ex-felon, and that means that he has been unable to vote in state or federal elections for the 11 law-abiding years he’s spent out of prison. In the 1960s, Young was briefly on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list for a string of bank robberies, including one in Olive Branch. He spent time in federal prison for that crime and then, in 1980, he was convicted of another armed bank robbery. Young served 19 years in state prison for that crime. Released in 1999, he remained on probation until 2003. Mississippi is one of 11 states that does not automatically restore voting rights to people convicted of felony crimes. State law enumerates 21 crimes for which a felon will lose his right to vote, including armed robbery, arson, bigamy, bribery, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, larceny, murder and rape. Bizarrely, the state Constitution expressly allows those convicted of felonies to vote in presidential elections; however, because felons cannot register only for the presidential election, they are effectively barred from voting at all. Ex-felons must petition the state Legislature on an individual basis to restore their voting rights, and any restoration bill must pass both houses of the Legislature by a two-thirds margin. Young petitioned representatives from Lee County to sponsor a bill restoring his rights, but none would take his case. He suspects that they were put off by his notoriety. The Mississippi ACLU has pushed for across-the-board re-enfranchisement of exfelons in the past four legislative sessions. In 2007, the organization supported House Bill 1440, which would re-instate voting rights for disenfranchised felons two years after the completion of their sentence. With the ACLU’s help, Young wrote four state legislators pleading with them to pass the bill, noting that he owned two houses and had developed a respectable profession. “There are so many others, who, like me, have left prison behind with no desire to ever return—who own land, pay taxes, drive cars, pay insurance and work and abide by the laws set by our legislators—but they always know in the back of their minds that the legislators are not their legislators,” Young wrote. “You are not my legislators because I played absolutely no role in the process whereby (you) gained (your) positions.” The bill failed, dying on the House calendar after being tabled. Similar bills have failed since, but the ACLU plans to lobby for a reenfranchisement measure again this year. The ACLU then filed a lawsuit on behalf of Young and another felon, Christy Colly, in 2008, arguing that Mississippi’s prohibition on felon voting violates ex-felons’ constitutional right to vote. A U.S. district judge dismissed the ACLU’s complaint and, in February 2010, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal. Legal challenges to felon disenfranchise-

Courtesy Jerry young

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Making Room in the Voting Booth

WED. JAN 12 LADIES NIGHT

NO COVER CHARGE

by Ward Schaefer

Once on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, Jerry Lynn Young has been out of prison for 11 years and wants to vote. State law and a federal court won’t let him.

ment have met with limited success elsewhere, too. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund has challenged Washington state’s policy based on the Voting Rights Act’s prohibition against racial discrimination. A federal appeals court struck down that suit last October. Increasingly, though, Mississippi’s restriction on felony voting is out of step with the rest of the country. Since 1997, 23 states have amended their voting policies to expand voter eligibility to former convicts. Seven states have made those changes since 2006. The prospect of any legislative change to the current law remains dim in large part due to demographics. Ex-felons tend to come from lower-income and non-white backgrounds, populations associated with voting Democratic. But support for extending voting rights to ex-felons has some bipartisan support. In an August 2009 blog post, Republican Rep. Greg Snowden, R-Meridian, argued that the state should bar all convicted felons from voting while they serve their sentence. After a twoyear waiting period, however, the state should restore voting rights to ex-felons. “When a man (or woman) has paid their debt to society (including all restitution, probation and whatever), we expect that person to live among us as a law abiding citizen,” Snowden wrote. “Even an ex-con has the citizen’s obligation to contribute to society, and voting for the candidate of his or her choice, in my view, is the very essence of positive civic participation.” Young believes a proposal like Snowden’s that requires a law-abiding waiting period would be fair. “I don’t see that it makes any difference how bad I was in my 20s and 30s,” Young said. “What should matter is what I’ve been for the last 11 years. I’ve never even been stopped for a traffic violation (in that time).” Comment at www.jfp.ms.

Courtesy “BreaCh of PeaCe”

by Ward Schaefer

Teaching The Truth

ext year, for the first time, Mississippi will require all social-studies teachers to teach the history of civil rights in the state. The requirement will come more than five years after state lawmakers initially approved the curriculum change. Passed in a fit of enthusiasm following the prosecution of Edgar Ray Killen for the 1964 killings of three civil-rights workers, Senate Bill 2718 provided for the Mississippi Department of Education to add a civil-rights and human-rights component to its social-studies curriculum. The clamoring for a fuller and truer account of history ran into obstacles almost immediately, though, says Susan Glisson, director of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. Glisson, who chaired the Civil Rights Education Commission that advised MDE on the new curriculum, notes that legislators in committee stripped stronger language from the original bill. Where the measure, as introduced, stated that MDE “shall” establish a new civil-rights component, the Senate Education Committee changed the bill’s wording to the more ambivalent “may.” Still, MDE enlisted the new commission’s help in drafting language for the new curriculum. The reform ran into further difficulty, however, in the structure of Mississippi’s school system. MDE exerts relatively little

control over the actual curricula that teachers use in their classrooms. Local school boards set specific curricula, and teachers write their lesson plans based on the curriculum and a set of state-ordained objectives, which MDE details in a “framework” for each of the subject areas. “It’s very much a local control, but that means it’s difficult to ensure learning,” Glisson said. MDE fast-tracked changes to the state social-studies framework for U.S. History, which most students take in 11th grade, and the state Board of Education approved the new curriculum in 2008. Changes to the framework for the other 12 grades only became final at the board’s November 2010 meeting, however. For the past two years, roughly 25 school districts have voluntarily employed the civilrights-boosted framework in their U.S. History classes. Glisson says that the new standards are aimed at giving students a richer, more nuanced and more historically accurate understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. The new standards are “not about ‘Dr. King stood up, Rosa Parks sat down, and now everybody’s free,’” she said. “That whole simplified, inaccurate narrative—that’s not the way this is getting taught. It’s getting taught to understand the institutional, structural nature of racism, the role of women and young peo-

ple in the movement, the role of religion (and) the effects of the Civil Rights Movement (on) other kinds of movements for human rights.” Indeed, the framework demands that students “analyze the response of federal and state governments to the goals (including but not limited to ending de jure and de facto segregation and economic inequality) of the Civil Rights Movement,” a process that would ideally touch on state institutions, like the State Sovereignty Commission, that worked to resist integration. For Mississippi Studies, a onesemester history course most students take in their freshman year, the state framework specifically mentions institutions like the Sovereignty Commission and groups like the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. It also asks students to assess the impact of specific figures like Gov. Ross Barnett, Sen. James Eastland, Fannie Lou Hamer and James Meredith. The additions to state social-studies standards extend all the way to kindergarten, where the new framework asks students to distinguish “rights” and “responsibility” and to “name figures of authority and their position in upholding human and civil rights.” This year, as he has every year since the bill’s passage, Republican Rep. John Moore of Brandon has introduced a bill to repeal the civil-rights history provision. Moore told the

The role of young people like Freedom Rider Jean Thompson is a part of U.S. history curriculum in about 25 Mississippi school districts.Thompson was featured in the freedom-rider compilation “Breach of Peace” by Eric Etheridge.

Jackson Free Press that he opposes the curriculum for two reasons. Teachers in the state are already overwhelmed with curriculum requirements and should focus on core content areas like reading and math, he argued. Moore said that he was also wary of “the radical positions” of Teaching for Change, an organization that the Winter Institute enlisted to provide optional training for history teachers in the new curriculum, which aims to bring social-justice principles into education. Comment at www.jfp.ms.

PA I D A DV E RT I S E M E N T

ooking for authentic Indian cuisines from different kitchens of India? Well, you only have to travel but a few miles to Bombay Bistro at 3716 I-55 North in Jackson. The newly opened restaurant promises a happening experience, one in which you can experience India -- its food, clothing and culture. Bombay Bistro has been a well laid-out plan and dream that Owner and Manager Praveen Kapoor has had for the past three years. He started in the hospitality industry at the ripe age of 19 in India with Sheraton Hotels, where he worked for 10 years, followed by 13 years of restaurant management experience in Tokyo, Japan. Jeependr Anand, Executive Chef He decided to move to the United States with his lifelong passion and dream to open his very own Indian restaurant. Today it’s a reality visible through the beautifully decorated and authentic cuisine found at Bombay Bistro. Executive Chef Jeependr Anand says that he and Kapoor make a great team and hope that patrons always experience the passion about Indian cuisine that they bring to Bombay Bistro. “We love Indian cuisine, and are a great team because there is a great balance between service and cuisine,” says Anand. “I developed my passion for Indian cuisine at a young age helping my mom cook various meals. You will see our passion in both the flavor and presentation of the cuisine. Everything is finely done to compliment one another.” Executive Chef Anand went to culinary school in Hyderabad, India for five years and then worked for the five-star hotel Ramada Group in India, followed by professional culinary experiences with Carnival Cruise Line and the well-known Flavor of India in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, and then Amber India in San Jose, California, before moving to Mississippi. He uses a very unique clay oven, the Tandoor, used in making Indian cuisine specialties. For example, naan, a flatbread special to Indian cuisine, is cooked in the Tandoor. Naan or Garlic Naan can be ordered with any entree, and both Executive Chef Anand and Kapoor encourage trying it to savour true Indian cuisine. The Bombay Bistro menu does not fall short in providing the true Indian culinary experience with the plethora of traditional cuisine dishes. For starters, try the Vegetable Samosa, a cripsy pastry stuffed with potatoes and green peas, served with mint and tamarind sauce. For entrees and specialties, the Tandoor Chicken, the King of Kebabs, is chicken marinated in yogurt, mint, garlic, ginger and barbequed in the clay oven, the Tandoor. Chicken Curry is another house specialty with on-the-bone chicken dipped in curry, and flavored with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and coconut (they also have Curry in Goat, Lamb and Fish). And the Butter Chicken is boneless tender chicken cooked in tomato and butterflavored sauce, a dish that Executive Chef Anand says is a culinary delight. Honestly, the menu is so expansive that finding a true Indian cuisine experience will not be a challenge. Each day offers daily specials, which vary, and with dinner and lunch, you can order specialty Indian beer. Soon to come will be liquor and cocktails native to India, yet another cultural experience for patrons. Visit Bombay Bistro 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Catering and carry out are available, as well as a banquet area in the restaurant that can entertain 150 people (call 24 hours in advance to reserve). For more information on Bombay Bistro, call them at 601-487-8370.

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EDITORIAL

Politicians: Tone Down the Rhetoric

he United States changed Saturday morning, Jan. 8, when an apparently mentally disturbed man took out his anti-government venom by trying to assassinate a U.S. congresswoman, and killing a little girl, a judge and other people’s loved ones in the process. Or the country should have changed. Many people had one of two responses to this incident: Many said politicians and their supporters need to tone down the vitriolic, hateful, violent rhetoric, or call it out in others. Others who supposedly never use violent rhetoric started defending those who do, even implying that it’s their First Amendment right to threaten or incite violence. Whoa. Arizona has, for the moment, become ground zero for a conversation our country needs to have. Long lists of threats against mostly Democratic lawmakers—many because they supported health-insurance reform—have emerged since Saturday. We are face-to-face with a disturbingly nasty discourse that seemed to take hold when Sarah Palin frothed up the crowds at her vice presidential campaign spots (thanks, John McCain) and have grown worse since, with more and more references to gun violence thrown in. Perhaps the most jolting are tapes of Nevada Republican Senate nominee Sharron Angle talking about how people might need to resort to “Second Amendment remedies” if she didn’t defeat that ole radical Sen. Harry Reid. (Thankfully, she didn’t.) In our state, we know (or should know) how rhetoric like the Citizens Council used to use, in turn, leads to the violent crazies (like the Ku Klux Klan) committing unspeakable violence to take care of the “problem.” We also know that the people behind the rhetoric never want to take responsibility for the seeds their words planted and what they sprout. Now, in Mississippi, we are entering a new legislative session and an election year. We reported last year about all the anti-immigration bills that conservative legislators are putting forward—some much like the hateful law in Arizona, which both law enforcement and real constitutionalists hate equally, and that the apparent target of Saturday’s shooting, Rep. Gabby Giffords, a centrist Democrat who supports gun rights, wisely opposed. We are already hearing evil venom from politicians, radio talkers and bloggers who want to demonize immigrants (even the “legal” ones) and use them for wedge-issue bait. This can lead that one lonely crazy guy, or a group of disgruntled bigots a la Kluckers, to join together to commit violence to solve the overblown demagoguery espoused by politicians and their media lapdogs. Mississippians need to take note: This kind of rhetoric has no place in a democratic society, and it can result in bloodshed. Be part of the solution, not an instigator, if you don’t want blood on your conscience.

KEN STIGGERS

Random Stuff Happens

January 12 - 18, 2011

ongressman Smokey “Robinson” McBride: “We celebrate the redemption of a homeless man with a golden voice, and then witness how mainstream media exploits his rise to fame. One moment, we sing lyrics from the song, ‘Lovely Day.’ The next moment, a nation grieves over a senseless and violent shooting of a congresswoman, judge, staff members and a young child. “The best thing we can do is to endure those good, bad and indifferent moments. “The random occurrences of living remind me of Jack Trice, the first black athlete at Ames College in Iowa. Before playing in his first collegiate football game as an offensive lineman against the University of Minnesota on Oct. 5, 1923, Trice experienced the excitement of athletic competition, the shame of racial discrimination and the pain of physical sacrifice. Trice played the entire football game with a broken collar bone. “After the game, a severely injured and bleeding Jack Trice was sent back to Ames, Iowa, in the boxcar of a train because hospitals in Minnesota refused to treat blacks. He was found dead the next day. “The night before his first football game, Trice wrote a letter to himself promising to maintain the honor of his race and family. Aware of the challenges ahead, he ended his letter with this: ‘Be on your toes every minute, if you expect to make good, Jack.’ My advice to my fellow constituents is to stay ready and be secure, because random stuff happens in desperate times.”

YOUR TURN by Carl Gibson

Put Up or Shut Up, Progressives

011 is already promising to be a tumultuous year, particularly in Mississippi. Legislators have numerous crises to confront in this year, most of them rising from not having enough revenue to keep up with the rising operating costs of effective government. Mississippians have similar fiscal crises to confront, most of which stem from everything rising except our own wages. After this session is over, lawmakers will have lots of campaigning to do back home, most of which will start by defending any unpopular decisions they made in Jackson. And whoever becomes the next governor of Mississippi will have a lot of troubles to bear, most of which are rooted in Mississippi ranking last out of all the states in just about every social welfare category. But there’s good news. With so much at stake this year, our elected officials are especially vulnerable to the will of the people. We have the power to either put them back in office for four more years or give them all the boot and start over from scratch. This can either be a good or a bad thing, depending on who has the loudest voice. Mississippi’s neo-conservative base is already preparing for the fight. The far right will storm the state capitol this session with a list of draconian demands, according to e-mails from Mississippi Tea Party Secretary Donna Knezevich. They will actively petition lawmakers to eliminate welfare and repeal vital sources of revenue like property taxes. They’ll also chomp at the bit for laws infringing on the civil rights of Latino citizens and for legislation that would make certain federal laws null and void in Mississippi.

While they made Jan. 6 their day for a rally, Mississippi tea partiers have made it clear what their demands are, and that they’ll show up every day and fight hard to get what they want. So-called “progressives” in Mississippi need to be ready to represent themselves accordingly at the state capitol this year, or else the voice of the radical fringe right will be heard the loudest by our state lawmakers. If we truly value necessary government infrastructure, help for single moms and the impoverished, and landmark civil rights for ethnic minorities, we need to be heard this year. If we want a government that makes essential investments in the care and empowerment of its people rather than walk on them, we need to be heard this year. Democracy is all about citizen participation in government. If the government that represents you isn’t living up to your expectations or is hurting others, then theoretically, we have the power to make those changes. We all love to sit around a cozy room with friends and talk about how we would each change the government if given the chance, right? What better time to be heard and sow the seeds for change than when all of our state lawmakers are living in our city and up for re-election? Carl Gibson is a 23-year-old Methodist preacher’s son from Kentucky. Formerly the state capitol reporter for Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Carl is a regular participant and spectator in the Jackson community theater, spoken word and blues scenes. His most recent venture is the Gibson Group, a lobbying firm.

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. Or write a 300-600-word “Your Turn” and send it by e-mail, fax or mail above with a daytime phone number. All submissions are subject to fact checks.

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or much of 2010, it seemed everyone from ABC to CNN to RT (formerly Russia Today, a worldwide Englishspeaking channel) were concerned about my single dating status. Well, not me, specifically, but black women in general. The last time I wrote about the single life was almost a year ago. A few things have changed for me since then, but not really. One thing that kept the media’s interest through last year was why so many black women are single. Let’s revisit a couple of the most devastating—says the media— statistics before we get started: Forty-two percent of African American women have yet to be married, compared to 23 percent of white women, according to a Yale study. The 2000 U.S. Census reported that there were 1.8 million more black women than men. By spring, I began to feel a bit freakish about my black singleness. It seemed everyone who’d never paid attention to me otherwise (the Russians, for example) was concerned about who I was going to date. In their attempt to figure it all out, they sought out comedian-turned-radio-host and “Think Like a Man Act Like a Woman” author Steve Harvey who became the go-to guy about all things relationship. This is when I knew for sure America’s interest in my life was nothing short of people not having anything else to talk about at the time. You’re seeking answers to questions about black folks from a comedian—not a sociologist, marriage and family therapist or a psychologist, but a man who wrote a common-sense manual about dating? Harvey admonishes women to not lower their standards for a man’s sake and warns that men are aware that women are desperate and nervous because they think there’s a man shortage. It all makes sense, but it’s not enough. I don’t have an issue with Steve Harvey. Many people I’ve heard complain about him have said things like: “He’s been married three times. What can he tell me about having a healthy relationship?” A lot, I think. We learn as much from failures, if not more, than from our and others’ successes. That’s not the issue. Without any academic or research background, Steve Harvey, just like actorturned-“relationship expert” Hill Harper, or anyone else who offers common sense advice as relationship gospel, is ill-equipped to answer the “why” question. And if someone is looking to help, isn’t that one question, among others, we need to figure out the answer to? One of the “whys” is because we’re emotionally unintelligent, relationally retarded and self ignorant. And that’s not just black women. That’s our society as a whole. Numbers say it’s those women who look like me who are having the most trouble, but I don’t know of too many people having an easy go of relationships. The prob-

lem seems universal: We want the other person to change, because taking personal responsibility isn’t fun. Critics of “For Colored Girls,” Tyler Perry’s recent cinematic adaptation of Ntzoke Shange’s 1975 choreopoem “For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” screamed that the movie was a poor reflection on black men, not painting them in a positive light. “It’s man bashing,” they say. (There was similar bemoaning about Terry McMillan’s “Waiting to Exhale” and Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple.”) Most of the men in the film were less than desirable characters. They lied, cheated, and abused their loved ones and substances, but the women chose to be with them. Their desire for companionship overrode their selfvalue. They chose partners out of their lack, and chose to stay with men who weren’t committed to them or a better life because they’d convinced themselves they weren’t strong enough to stand alone. While the men may be trifling, it’s a much sadder commentary on the women. Two unhealthy people will never a healthy relationship make; it’s impossible. No matter the sappy sentimental line in “Jerry Maguire,” it’s bull: No one can complete you. That’s lone work. So 42 percent of black women are single and have never been married, that doesn’t have necessarily have to be a cause for alarm. Some of them may not want to be married. Maybe some of these women have chosen to remain single until they’re ready to be in a long-term committed relationship. Instead of searching for validation and affirmation strictly from outside sources, perhaps the women have decided to concentrate on filling themselves. Even if all 42 percent of them desire marital relationships, though, maybe it’s just not time. They say God protects children and fools. Conceivably, the women are a bit more foolish than they’d ever care to admit, and someone, something is watching over them. There are certainly plenty examples of women—black, white and in between—who’ve married the wrong person, or the right person at the wrong time, and found themselves as part of another statistic: the divorced crowd. Am I still a single, black female? Yep, I am. Do I regret majoring in political science and philosophy at Millsaps instead of working diligently toward acquiring an Mrs. degree? Nope. I am confident that by the time I get married, I will be a woman so full of herself (not in that cocky sense, mind you) my husband will be proud and honored to call me his partner. And should I never marry—I’m keenly aware this is a likelihood— what a wonderful gift to offer my family, friends and the people in the world around me: a woman who isn’t looking to others to satisfy her.

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Bridal 2011:The Trends COURTESY COTIN SPOSA

If you’re looking for a dress that stands out from the traditional white and ivory, you’ll find dresses in soft colors of blush pinks, pale peaches and muted grays. If you’re not quite that daring, you’ll find many with accents of those colors in the trains, waist sashes or floral details.

COURTESY MODERN TROUSSEAU

by ShaWanda Jacome

ashion is an organic entity that changes from season to season and, sometimes, moment to moment. Bridal trends for 2011 will see lots of interesting and unique features. Here are the top looks you’ll see.

If you’re looking for a dress that is girly and flirty, choose ones with lace overlays or detailing. Today’s lace is a far cry from the traditional type of years gone by. Expect to find elegant and luxurious designs.

The trumpet gown hugs you in all the right places. The shape offers an instant glamorous look.

COURTESY BASIL SODA COURTESY NICOLE MILLER

COURTESY MELISSA SWEET

You’ll find dresses with floral accents ranging from delicate floral appliqués to oversized blooms. If you need a little sparkle, look for dresses with glitter accents.

Most probably think of tulle as being used under princess-style gowns to give them that dramatic poufy look. However, this season you’ll see dresses with delicate tulle overlays for an airy and “fairy-like” effect.

COURTESY JLM COUTURE

COURTESY TERRY FOX

Terry Fox blush pink gown

Modern Trousseau lace and trumpet gown

Cotin Sposa blush pink and floral accent gown

JLM Couture ivory tulle over satin/ taffeta baby doll gown Nicole Miller asymmetric mini

Melissa Sweet floral accented gown Basil Soda glitter gown

If you’re a sassy bride or have great legs that you want to show off, going short (above the knee) might be the way to go.

Look for these and other bridal gown options at these local bridal vendors: Alfred Angelo Bridal (1230 E. County Line Road, Suite D, Ridgeland, 601-956-1806, www.alfredangelo.com); A Southern Affair (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 160, 601-487-6218, www.asouthernaffair.net); Bridal Path (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 104, 601-982-8267, www.bridalpathinc.com); Finishing Touch Alterations (4551 Office Park Drive, 601-362-5288); Jaki’s Costumes & Party World (5404 Interstate 55 N., 601-957-2999); Bridal Boutique (300 E College St., Clinton, 601-924-8345); Bella Bridesmaid (118 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-898-0303); Silver Gallery (6380-B Ridgewood Court Drive, 601-952-0525 and 378 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601-919-3008, www.silvergallery.biz)

by Natalie A. Collier

ne of my personal style philosophies is “Let your shoes do the talking.” When I go shoe shopping, it really doesn’t matter much to me if I have anything to go with the shoe or not. Wedding day is no different, in my opinion. Sure, it’s about the dress, but every woman thinks about her dress. And then what happens? They end up running out a few days before, picking up some God-awful white satin pump that looks like a bridesmaid pump from 1988 that hasn’t been dyed that curious shade of teal, yet. Your feet deserve more! For your wedding day, take things up a notch. Spoil yourself, or do something unexpected. If you’re not a stiletto kind of girl, don’t choose your “I do” day to practice; go for something that says your name but has a little bedazzle on it. For others, no matter what, don’t shy away from color. If your dress is a shade of white, go for a punch of color. And if your dress isn’t white, honey, you’re a nontraditional girl who doesn’t need these tips anyway! Don’t forget your feet, guys. Be they sleek or casual (bedazzlement is up to you), do right by your feet for matrimony day. It’s your wedding, too. You deserve it.

Badgley Mischka gold glitter pump, $187, Coattails

Kenneth Cole ankle zip boot, $108, Red August Badgley Mischka red ruffle sandal, $198, Coattails

Jessica Simpson suede and animal print platform, $98, Belk

Where2Shop:

Belk, 150 Dogwood Festival Blvd., Flowood, 601-9195000 or 1200 E. County Line Road, #300, 601-9770101; Coattails, 111 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601853-1313; Red August, shopredaugust.com

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Outdoor wedding Go for a lighter tuxedo, particularly in the heat of the summer. Garforth says that out of 10 renters, probably six or seven choose black tuxedos, with two or three choosing ivory. Brown or chocolate tuxedos have also been popular in the last two or three years. Trendy/non-traditional wedding Back in the old days, Garforth only had about five or six tuxedo styles. Today, he has a wide range of colors and fabrics. Colors include medium grays, dark grays, browns and blacks. Black is still number one, but people are in to matching the colors of the vests to coordi-

COURTESY TUXEDO JUNCTION

on Garforth is an expert when it comes to outfitting men for their weddings. The Pennsylvania native came to Jackson in 1978 and is the owner of two Tuxedo Junction stores in the Jackson area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I opened up when Metrocenter Mall opened in 1978,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been here for (more than) 32 years.â&#x20AC;? Garforth, who attended Furman University in South Carolina majoring in business and finance says, jokingly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a coinky-dink that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be in business. I just love retail; I just enjoy serving people.â&#x20AC;? Tuxedo Junction has done more than 25,000 weddings since opening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually doing second-generation weddings and we have second-generation employees working in our stores,â&#x20AC;? Garforth says. Garforth started off in business with his dad in South Carolina. When his father retired he started looking for a new location to call home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We looked at a lot of different locationsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Augusta, Ga.; El Paso, Texas; Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and it just looked like a perfect size market for what we wanted to do. â&#x20AC;Ś [I]t was probably one of the best decisions we ever made. I have fallen in love with the people of Jackson,â&#x20AC;? he says.

by Holly Perkins

Groomsmen frequently match their vests to coordinate with bridesmaidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dresses.

nate with the bridesmaids dresses more than they are with the actual tuxedo. They come in looking for the vest colors before they even look at the tuxedo, which is a complete reversal of how it was 10 or 15 years ago. Black tie/formal wedding If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ultra-formal nighttime wedding, your only option is black, full-dress tails with the white pique shirt, vest, tie, white studs, cufflinks and white gloves. Thirty years ago, one out of 10 weddings Garforth did were at night. Now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably four or five a year. For an older groom Most grooms will probably lean a little bit more toward a black tuxedo. It can be a regular sport-coat length or a little bit longer length, and one and two button coats are coming back. Classic fit great on everyone Garforth says because heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an â&#x20AC;&#x153;old timer,â&#x20AC;? you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really go wrong with just a basic black tuxedo with either a white or an ivory shirt, depending on what color the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress is. The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress and wedding should be the number one focal point, and if the gentleman wears a black tuxedo, her dress stands out in pictures. Best general advice Find a store like The Tuxedo Junction that actually stocks its tuxedos in the store. There are so many people, particularly for weddings, that come in from out of town, and the measurements they bring with them are a little bit off. When the tuxedo is in the store, 99.9 percent of all problems are handled right there. Tuxedo Junction has two locations in the Jackson area: Metrocenter Mall (1279 Metrocenter, 601-969-1728) and Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Suite 237, Ridgeland, 601-957-1233).

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Chris and Shalon Wansley

Shalon and Chris Wansley’s first dance as a married couple was to Michael Jackson’s “Lady in My Life.”

Chris adds: “She’s the greatest thing that ever happened to me. She truly has been—as a girlfriend, as a fiancée, as a wife, at every stage. I’m lucky to have her in my life.” They each speak of the other in a complimentary, but not nearly contrived, way. From the looks they exchange and the laughter they share reminiscing about their story, their love is obvious. (Chris and Shalon debate about when they first met: Chris claims they met at a banquet in 2005; Shalon claims it was another banquet the following year.) The native Mississippians—Chris is from Jackson, and Shalon is from Madison—graduated from the University of Mississippi Law School. Chris earned a bachelor’s in math from Jackson State University in 2000 and his law degree in 2003. Shalon graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology before going on to law school. While Shalon attended law school with Chris’ brother, Chris had begun working and he became her mentor. “I was a horrible mentor,” Chris remembers. Shalon confirms it: “He sucked.” Terrible mentor or not, attraction blossomed, and the duo began dating April 17, 2008, and quickly fell in love. Despite their love, Chris and Shalon’s trip to the altar was not obstacle-free. They’d hoped to get married April 17, 2010, with a reception following at the Mississippi Craft Center, but that proved to be an issue. The Craft Center was holding their “Sheep to Shawl Day” event April 17. They could have opted for an evening wedding, but the sheep scent would have lingered well until nuptial time and beyond. They changed their wedding date, but their troubles weren’t over. The couple wanted to have the wedding at their church, New Hope Baptist Church, but weren’t able to because another engagement was scheduled there for that day. They chose First Baptist Church Jackson’s chapel instead. The church required them to attend pre-marital counseling, which the pair now suggests to anyone contemplating marriage. After completing counseling, Shalon’s longtime neighbor and former church pastor, Rev. Keith Rouser, officiated their April 24 wedding. Trouble persisted. The day of their ceremony, a tornado ripped through Yazoo City and stormy weather caused power outages across Jackson, including at their wedding and reception venues. Hours before the ceremony, the power outage at the chapel was fixed, and the sky turned sunny. The wedding commenced without any further problems. Photographer Erin Fults took shots outside before and during the wedding, and the couple made their grand entrance at the reception minutes after power returned to the Mississippi Craft Center. Throughout the ordeal, Shalon remained calm, while the mishaps had Chris worried. The couple has balance—Chris is talkative, and Shalon is organized—and they tend to complement each other. Chris helped Shalon overcome her fear of heights on their Mexican honeymoon, where he convinced her to go on the zip line. Where one stops, the other one starts.

Their love of food, though, seems to be equal. Chris jokes that it drives their relationship. “We love to eat,” he says. Shalon agrees, advising newlywed couples, “Take a break to enjoy the food you paid for.” The Wansleys’ reception spread, provided by Fresh Cut Floral & Catering, featured more than 20 items, including a martini bar and a seafood bar with a southern twist: fried catfish. They gave bourbon pecans as favors. Sandra Groover of The Cake Shoppe made their wedding cake, with strawberry and lemon layers (and one other layer neither can remember but Chris says was “really good”). Grouper also made the chocolate groom’s cake with butter-cream icing, chocolate ganache and chocolate-covered strawberries. The guests danced to ’70s and ’80s funk provided by Tyrus Cox, Chris’ friend, and the couple’s first dance was to Michael Jackson’s “Lady In My Life.” Chris and Shalon shopped local, when possible, and bought many wedding items on etsy.com, where artisans sell their handmade creations online. One special item was a locket with a picture of the bride’s grandmother, who had died years earlier, placed in the bouquet. “She always told me a lot about her grandmother, even back when we were just friends. And from her stories, I see a lot the qualities she says her grandmother had in her,” Chris says. The couple now lives in Jackson, and both practice law. Shalon works at the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and Chris is an attorney at Balch & Bingham law firm. While Chris says they rarely fight, when the duo does, they leave their esquire skills at work. “We fight fairly; we try not to lawyer each other,” he says. Shalon adds: “We want to see each other happy and to prosper. We just really love each other.”

Wedding Cake: The Cake Shoppe, Sandra Groover (1976 Loyd St., Pearl, 601932-2914) Wedding Venue: First Baptist Jackson Chapel (431 N. State St., 601-949-1900) Decorations: Fresh Cut Catering & Floral (108 Cypress Cove, Flowood, 601-939-4518) Groom and groomsmen’s attire and accessories: Al’s Formal Wear (1230 E. County Line Road, Suite C, Ridgeland, 601-957-8850) Photographer: Acorn Studio, Erin Faults, 601-291-3761

ACORN STUDIO

hris and Shalon Wansley love exchanging gifts. “We pride ourselves on being gift givers,” Chris says. On the anniversary of their first date, Chris, 32, took Shalon, 28, to dinner and gifted her with an iPod. Later on that evening, he took the gift giving to another level. “She has always said she wanted a Build-a-Bear that looks like me,” Chris explains. So he gave her a teddy-bear version of himself, dressed in a gray pinstripe suit with glasses. Shalon burst into laughter, the couple says. When she stopped laughing, she opened her eyes and saw Chris holding an engagement ring. By the time the wedding rolled around, the couple opted to exchange gifts and personal letters rather than vows at their April 24, 2010, ceremony. Chris gave Shalon her “something blue” (blue topaz earrings), and Shalon gave Chris a pair of Tiffany’s cufflinks he’d been eyeing. They agree, though, that the greatest gift they received was each other. “It’s comforting. You have somebody that has your best interest in mind that you can depend on. We’d do anything for each other,” Shalon says of their relationship.

by Holly Perkins

First Dance by Holly Perkins

January 12 - 18, 2011

What song played for the first dance at your weddng?

“Love of My Life” by Erykah Badu

“Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison

“Only You Can Love Me This Way” by Keith Urban

JFP Assistant to the Editor ShaWanda Jacome, married in 2003

Courtney Peters, owner, MOSAIC Interiors and Courtney Rae Designs, married in 2006

Dena Walker, administrative assistant, University of Mississippi Medical Center, married in 2010

“Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins

“Superman” by Robin Thicke

“Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

Kristin Tubb, owner, Orange Peel consignment boutique, married in 2002

Tomika Brown, accounting officer, Mississippi Department of Revenue, married in 2007

Fancy Cleveland, education administrator, University of Mississippi Medical Center, married in 1998

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COURTESY TULIP FLORAL STUDIO

BETH MORGAN

’ll admit I’m a bit of a girly girl, which means I love flowers. When I attend a wedding, they’re one of the things I most look forward to—even more than the dress. Flowers bring life and color and texture to an event, and they’re a great way to express a couple’s personality. So choosing the right person to design the flowers for a wedding is important. I sat down with Lesley Frascogna, 29, the stylish owner of Tulip floral studio, to learn more. Because I have never been a bride or had anything to do with planning a wedding, I was full of questions. I could easily see how choosing the right florist, one that you trust to shape the vision for your event, is key. Growing up in Chicago, Frascogna worked events with her mother, a caterer, from the time she was 13, but florals are what caught her interest. After working in a floral shop for two years, she opened her own shop at 23. When she moved to Jackson, her husband’s hometown, in 2008, she decided to specialize in events and weddings. When Frascogna talks to a couple, the interview is really a two-way process. Because she sees flowers as her art, she needs to make sure that the couple’s personality and vision fit her own, and that they appreciate her style. They’re not just interviewing her; she’s screening them as well. This leads to a relationship where her brides trust Frascogna to take the inspiration they give her to create personal expressions through flowers.

Local cosmetics maven Amy Head loves helping women find their “naturally glamorous” look.

January 12 - 18, 2011

fter her freshman year at Mississippi State University, self-made cosmetics guru Amy Head left school and worked odd jobs until starting her own business, Amy Head Studios, in September 1987. What started in a small two-room studio has now expanded into a retail cosmetics line, Amy Head Cosmetics, and three large studios in Ridgeland, Oxford and Birmingham that carry her line and Bonnie Holmes Skincare. Head, 49, was born and reared in Mississippi, moving to 22 Jackson at age 11. She has been married for 28 years to her hus-

The process of interviewing and choosing a wedding floral designer is something to think about early on in the planning process: Wedding season is March through June, and in Jackson, florists generally book six to 12 months in advance for the season. Frascogna has a number of tips that will help brides-to-be to work with their floral designers. First, set a budget before you talk to a florist, and be up front with it. A florist can work with you to stay within what you can afford, but only if you tell her about it on the front end. “You wouldn’t go dress shopping without a budget. You might fall in love with a $10,000 dress (with) $5,000 to spend. Flowers are no different; I don’t want to prepare a proposal that you fall in love with only to find out that you can’t afford it,” Frascogna says. Typically, she says, 10 percent to 15 percent of a wedding budget is dedicated to flowers. Frascogna also requires that her couples have a venue booked before meeting with them. Your flowers should work to complement your space, and the designer loves working in unusual locations. “Get away from the country-club venue!” she challenges. Her dream wedding to style would be a bride who wanted to use succulents and cactuses at a beach wedding. This past fall, her favorite wedding took place outdoors on a hunting property. She was given freedom to design the entire event and, because the bride was a Mississippi country girl who studied fashion in New York, she went with a countrychic theme—combining deer heads and chandeliers, a ruffled backdrop of vintage fabric, and a burlap runner along with the table scapes and bouquets. She adds that in considering budget and venue, there

ERIN FULTS OF ACORN STUDIO

by Julie Skipper

Naturally Glamorous band, Harold Head, 56, and they have a daughter, MacKenzie, 17. Having family living nearby has kept her in Jackson, but it wasn’t her only incentive for staying local. “I never aspired to be a high-fashion makeup artist; that was never any kind of motivation,” Head says. “So if I’m not drawn to that, I’m not motivated to try and get to New York or L.A. I love helping the everyday woman and girl.” Head says that the colors in her American-made cosmetics set them apart from other brands. “I scrutinize over them so that the everyday woman can paint with them successfully,” she says. “It’s not designed for a pro makeup artist to paint with. It’s something that anyone can be good with on their own face because the colors are natural on their own skin.” For the bride-to-be, Head advises flipping through magazines to find her “naturally glamorous” look. “Learn how to do your makeup for yourself, so that you can use this naturally glamorous piece of yourself on any occasion,” she advises. “If the makeup looks natural, then you can use that makeup and those techniques all the time, not just your wedding day.” Amy Head’s Top Five Wedding Beauty Tips “All of these things, don’t do them at the last minute,” Head says. She suggests starting as soon as you’re engaged. • “Start taking care of your skin as soon as you know you’re getting married, if you haven’t been already,” she says. • “Be attentive to the eyebrows. The eyebrows have all the power over the beauty of the eye,” Head explains. “If the eyebrows are not good-looking, then you’ll miss the mark on the

ERIN FULTS OF ACORN STUDIO

Shopkeep:The Art of Flowers

Lesley Frascogna, owner of Tulip in Fondren, takes floral arranging to artistic levels.

should be continuity between the wedding venue (e.g., a church) and the reception, and she feels that churches should really be left alone. This philosophy comes in handy for the budget-conscious; brides can concentrate on flowers at the reception and keep things minimal in the church. Frascogna encourages brides to bring items that have inspired them: pictures of flowers or styling; images that evoke certain feelings; fabrics; graphics—it can be anything. She finds inspiration in textiles, design and fashion. These sources of inspiration make their way into floral design via ribbon treatments on stems with special fabrics, table runners, antique furniture used as a sign-in table and other unexpected elements. Like fashion, floral design has its trends. This year, the big trend has been a homespun or vintage feel, using touches like antique furniture and glassware containers and fabrics like burlap, along with loose floral arrangements using romantic, classic flowers like garden roses and organics like cotton. Slate and yellow are popular color palates. She says that the next big movement will be modern glam, using colors like plum, teal and slate with metallics. “There are no rules,” Frascogna says. “You don’t have to carry white, or even toss your bouquet. Carry red; have your bridesmaids carry potted succulents. This is your wedding!” Tulip is located at 622 Duling Ave., Suite 213, and is open by appointment only. Call 601-572-1777 or visit ilovetulip.com.

by Holly Perkins eyes being as beautiful as possible. ” • “Keep your immune system up. It’s the most stressful time, and if you’re not tending to your sleep and taking nutritional supplements then your skin looks terrible. It’s broken out, and it’s more from an internal reason, not a lack of skin care,” she says. • “Have super-white teeth. It’s got nothing to do with makeup, but it makes a really big difference,” she says. • “If the money’s available, take a look at hair color. Sometimes a bride can come across fresher, more vibrant with a touch of highlights,” Head says. Amy Head’s Top Five Product Picks • Amy Head Highlight Powder in golden luster or pink luster ($38) “It’s a beautiful item to pop and reflect the light around the eyes and top of the cheekbones, which is hard to live without on a bride’s face,” Head says. • Amy Head Eye Shadow in gleaming ($20) “It’s beautiful on anyone, ... anytime you want to look radiant,” she says. • Amy Head Eye Primer ($18) “Helps the eye shadow and eyeliner work stay in place for a long time, longevity is important,” she says. • Bonnie Holmes Mineral Skin Polish ($48) “To exfoliate the skin, it’s divine,” she says. • Bonnie Holmes Sheer Skin Moisturizer with grape seed ($48) “It’s ah-mazing,” she says. Amy Head Studio is located at 120 W. Jackson St., Suite B, Ridgeland. Amy Head Cosmetics are also available at Reed’s Department Store in Tupelo, The Alluvian Spa in Greenwood and at amyhead.net.

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by Jesse Crow

COURTESY TIMOTHY COKER

Timothy and Cheryl Coker

Here, Cheryl and Timothy Coker are in Greece on their way to a concert with their students—where you’ll usually find them.

usic is a powerful thing. It allows people to express their creativity, convey emotions, and it can foster community between like-minded fans. Music can also cause people to fall in love. Just ask Timothy and Cheryl Coker, who have shared a life working with music. “We’ve enjoyed doing a lot of things together with music through the years, and that’s very special,” Cheryl says. The Cokers met after Timothy transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in 1967. It was their junior year of undergraduate school, and they were both studying music. Cheryl was a piano accompanist for the choir when Timothy began playing for the choir as well. “We worked together a lot,” Cheryl recalls. “That’s how it began. We were friends and coworkers. … We learned about each other that way and we have continued to work together.” Aside from working together on campus at Southern Miss, the Cokers also worked together at a local church. Timothy was the youth director and youth choir director, and Cheryl helped him with his duties. Although they spent a lot of time together, the Cokers only went on one “official” date before they were engaged. “I didn’t have a car on campus, and she didn’t, either. (My) job took up my whole weekend,” Tim says. “We only had one date where we went off by ourselves and went to see a movie. We saw ‘Gone With the Wind.’ We had just done a lot of things together so we knew each other very well.” Just before Christmas 1968 their senior year, Timothy asked Cheryl to marry him. Earlier in the evening they ran a program with the youth group. It was around 10 p.m., and they were sitting in Timothy’s office talking about what they

Wedding Poll

wanted to do with their futures. Timothy did not have a ring nor did he have any plans to propose that night. “It was just the right to do, so I asked her to marry me,” he says. “I wasn’t going to let her get away.” After he proposed, they went to Petal to wake up Cheryl’s parents and tell them. The next day they drove to Tupelo, to share the news with Timothy’s family. On the way to Tupelo they stopped at a jeweler in Jackson, where Timothy had once worked, to pick out a stone for the engagement ring. By the time they drove back to Hattiesburg, the ring was ready. Cheryl spent the next semester student teaching in Florida, a commitment she made before she knew she would be engaged. She traveled back to Mississippi a couple times to help plan the wedding, but she planned most of it by staying in touch with her mom. “Weddings are for mothers, anyway,” Timothy says, laughing. The Cokers married right after Cheryl graduated in the summer of 1969. They had a traditional wedding at a small church in Petal, Cheryl’s hometown. Her father was the choir director there, and before he walked Cheryl down the aisle, he sang a solo. After the wedding, instead of being traditionally pelted by rice, the Cokers found their car full of balloons, thanks to Timothy’s two brothers. The Cokers have kept this youthful spirit with them throughout their 41 years of marriage. They spent their first summer together living in Hattiesburg so Timothy could finish his courses at Southern Miss. They moved to Georgia in the fall and Timothy attended the Candler School of Theology at Emory University for a year, returning to Southern Miss for his master’s degree

in choral conducting. After Timothy received his master’s degree, they moved back to Mississippi and began their family, “continuing to work together,” Cheryl says, with a laugh. The Cokers have three children, Chrissy, JJ and Carrie, and four grandchildren. In 1984, the couple moved to Jackson to join the Millsaps College music faculty, working together yet again. When they first came to Millsaps, Cheryl was only offered a part-time position teaching voice. She fondly recalls Timothy’s support and understanding during this time when she grew her studio and waited for her full-time position. The Cokers still teach at Millsaps and have a legendary presence on campus, especially in the music department. Timothy directs the Millsaps Singers and Millsaps Chamber Singers and also teaches choral music, theory and conducting. Cheryl is a professor of voice, vocal literature and pedagogy, opera history and women in music. “I really appreciate their enthusiasm for music and how they try to make it relevant to us as college students,” says Katie Sorey, a Millsaps senior and member of the Millsaps Singers. “They’re not teaching us what we need for college—to pass the next class or make it through the next concert—but how to carry this into our professional lives. We have a really strong appreciation for music so we can be advocates for it like the Cokers are.” The success of the Cokers’ marriage can be attributed to a number of things, they say: their great friendship; their ability to successfully work together; and their common and contagious passion for music. Their ability to compromise and to be supportive and understanding are also elements of their successful marriage. “I think you have to agree with one another that sometimes things go in the direction of one and sometimes in the direction of the other,” Cheryl says. “I wasn’t able to begin my doctoral work until our youngest graduated from Millsaps, so I went away to (the University of) Minnesota for a year. … It took a number of years going back and forth to finish. He was very supportive of that, and it was needed.” Respect and compassion for one another, which stems from their close friendship, has also kept their marriage going. “She has a pillow over here about us being best friends. You don’t get along all the time, but you respect each other, and you don’t stay mad for a long time,” Timothy says. “You have your ups and downs and things like that, but you always remain thankful for each other.” “We don’t always agree, and that’s OK,” Cheryl adds. “We can agree to disagree.” The Cokers do not have any universal advice for having and keeping a thriving marriage. However, their marriage serves as an example of what to do to make a marriage work: be supportive and close friends, work together, enjoy spending time together, share interests and most of all, share love. “There’s no silver bullet about what makes something successful or not,” Timothy says. “We feel very fortunate that things have worked this well.”

by ShaWanda Jacome

“Maybe I’m biased, but we had lots of memorable moments! One funny thing happened during the ceremony was as we were about to say our vows. I wore a tea-length dress, and where we stood in front of the minister was directly over a vent. It was cold that day, and so the heat came on every so often. At the time it came on, I thought, ‘That heat feels good because my legs are cold!’ Before I knew it, our ceremony became like the scene in the Marilyn Monroe movie, ‘The Seven Year Itch,’ with my skirt flying up (luckily, not that high!). After we all had a good laugh about it, we officially got hitched.” —Anna Kline, married to Walter Biggins one year

“I think the most memorable part of our wedding was when I woke up to weather sirens that morning. Our wedding was supposed to be an outside wedding, and all of the chairs were getting rained on. I kept being reminded that in some cultures … they believe that rain on your wedding day is good luck and that it promotes a stronger marriage because the wet ‘knot’ is harder to untie. We all piled into one room at the entrance of the house for our wedding ceremony. I think being gathered all together made the ceremony more intimate and special, and I wouldn’t change any detail, if I could.” —Lydia Chadwick, married to Price Chadwick three years

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ERIN FULTS

What was the most unique or most memorable part of your wedding or wedding reception?

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DIY(WLOH*) Wedding Food

by Tom Ramsey

sking me about “do-it-yourself” wedding food is about the equivalent of asking Dr. Peter Casano about how to pull off a DIY removal of nasal polyps, but I’ll give it my best shot. First and foremost, if you can afford professional help, pay for it. Worrying about the temperature of the pork tenderloin should not be part of your weddingday agenda. You should be thinking about flowers, drunken groomsmen, and your own soon-to-be awesome, married and legit nakedness. That being said, here are some tips on keeping the budget to a minimum and keeping the guests happy. Abuse Your Friendships: Everyone has a friend who is a kitchen professional, or at least could be. This is your new best pal. Tell him or her exactly what you can spend on actual food cost, and your friend will steer you to the right dishes that can feed a crowd with the efficiency of Jesus with a basket of bread and a few fish. Keep it Casual: Fancy food costs big money. Don’t try to fool anyone with cutesy little finger food. If the guests are really and truly your friends, they already know how broke you are and might even feel guilty eating a bunch of fancy-schmancy food on your dime. Forget about salmon with dill crème anglais, and instead think sliders, mac-n-cheese, a big pot of red beans and rice, or even fish tacos. Recruit Everyone: Have a friend that makes killer guacamole dip? Tell them how awesome it is and give them the opportunity to share their goodness with a crowd. Can your soon-to-be ex-roommate bake? Bingo!

Wedding cupcakes (a real wedding cake is so out of your budget). Match the Food to the Atmosphere: If your reception is going to be a potluck affair, don’t make the ceremony too formal. Make everything fit your personality. Unless you are the tragically stuffy (and recently broke) niece or nephew of Bernie Madoff, don’t try for a Di and Charles-style wedding. Just get yourself and your “intended” in front of someone with the authority to hitch you, mix in some friends, some music (provided for free by your friends in a band), some great food and a keg, and you’re all set. Use Paper Goods: You can buy about 500 of the little red-and-white paper food boats for $25. They are cheap, they hold food, and they look way cooler than paper plates. The real name of these things is three-pound food trays. Use them, plus Dixie cups and paper napkins. You won’t be offending her majesty the queen, because you won’t be serving her. She isn’t coming. Stop sending her

BAJA-ASIAN FISH TACOS 20 catfish fillets 120 corn tortillas 5 heads green cabbage 5 heads purple cabbage 5 bunches cilantro 8 limes 20 medium Roma tomatoes 8 Serrano peppers 8 jalapeño peppers 5 cups mayonnaise 8 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 8 tablespoons soy sauce 8 teaspoons minced ginger 6 tablespoons olive oil Mexican spice rub

Rinse catfish fillets in cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Rub fish generously with Mexican spice rub, coating both sides. Chop cabbage into long, thin slivers. Dice tomatoes. Finely chop cilantro. Finely chop peppers.

/08 01&/

the invitations; you’re just wasting money on postage and paper that could be going to buy a little more food. Getting the idea? Now let’s move on to specifics. Assemble the team and get to work. Rice and beans are cheap. Plus, this is the South, and people just love a good pot of red beans and rice. Some type of pork is always on sale. Buy a wagon load of picnic shoulder or Boston butt and slow roast it. When it’s all done, pull it and slather it in a homemade barbecue sauce and serve with white bread. Noodles are so cheap that I think they pay you to take them out of the store. Buy big bags of generic elbow macaroni and loads of store brand cheese. Tacos are cheap, too. Make an Asian cabbage slaw and pair with grilled catfish (really inexpensive), and there you have it: full-on casual wedding food. Just don’t forget the cupcakes; it’s so cute when the bride and groom feed each other wedding cake. I can’t imagine how much cuter that would be if said cake is in cup form. Warm the tortillas in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes and reduce heat to 200 to hold while preparing the rest of the dish. Combine all but one tablespoon of the cilantro, mayonnaise, peppers, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger and the juice of one lime. Whisk well to combine all ingredients. Add cabbage and toss until cabbage is fully coated by the wet ingredients. Place the mixture in a colander inside a large mixing bowl to drain. Toss the diced tomatoes in the juice from half a lime and the reserved one tablespoon of cilantro. Rub the catfish with olive oil and grill over a medium flame until flaky and firm. Place the cooked fish in a mixing bowl and break up with a fork. Add the juice from half a lime. Remove the warm tortillas from the oven and fill with catfish and cabbage slaw, top with tomatoes. Serves 60.

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Ripe and Inspiring: Indie Films Headed Our Way

ciety ways with rugged looks masked by his sleek aviator shades. By the way, it’s not Mesrine who wreaks all the havoc. His sexy side chick, Jeanne Schneider, isn’t too bad at stirring up a little drama herself. (“Mesrine: Public Enemy #1” shows Jan. 15, 9:10 p.m.) “White Material” is a story about race relations you don’t often see on the big screen. Instead of a white hero rescuing a lost black soul, director and screenwriter Claire Denis introduces us to a black savior for a white African family who’s struggling to save their coffee plantation. Find out what happens when the two meet, and their worlds start to spin out of control. (“White Material” shows Jan. 21 at 9:10 p.m. and Jan. 22 at 8:40 p.m.) A documentary about wastelands beyond the city limits of Rio De Janeiro doesn’t sound like it would be on the list of feel-good movies, but with its focus on the empowering and revolutionizing power of art, “Waste Land” isn’t your ordinary the-earth-is-dying kind of film. Follow Vik Muniz on the emotional and inspiring journey to meet the catadores who live and work with garbage. (“Waste

Land” shows Jan. 22 and 28 at 7 p.m.) If crime, drama and mystery are more your speed (the fictional kind, that is), don’t miss “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” starring Michael Nyqvist as Michael Blomkvist. The story is about murder, dysfunc-

tional families, Blomkvist, his tatted-up sidekick and the things they unearth about the secretive Vanger clan during their investigation. But that’s not the only Swedish “girl who” film Daniel Alfredson directed that you can catch this month. “The Girl Who Played with Fire” has the same leading lady and gent as “Dragon Tattoo,” but this time, the duo does a different kind of investigating: an exposé about sex trafficking in Sweden, to be exact. (“Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” shows Jan. 28 at 8:45 p.m., and “The Girl Who Played with Fire” shows Jan. 29 at 8:50 p.m.) The French “35 Shots of Rum” is about a father, his daughter and a man who wants to date her. “The elements of every ‘losing your daughter’ comedy are there—and ripe,” movie reviewer Chris Cabin said about the film. “But all these elements remain familiar without becoming predictable, flowing into emotional states both subtle and sublime where many other films would depend on exposition.” Sold? (“35 Shots of Rum” shows Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.) To see the complete film schedule, visit msfilm.org and click “Cinema Schedule” from the website’s homepage. Tickets are $9.

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“Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” stars Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace (pictured) as private investigators who discover plenty about the Vanger family and a 40-year-old murder.

Courtesy sony ClassiCs

Courtesy Magnolia PiCtures

Courtesy MoMentuM PiCtures and yellow Bird

very now and then, you’ll still hear some misguided soul complain, “There’s nothing to do in Jackson.” While it’s unclear what Jackson these people are talking about (Jackson, Tenn., perhaps), there’s yet another thing to add to your to-do list of weekend events: Watch independent films on the big screen—a really big screen. This month, thanks in part to the Mississippi Film Institute and the Davis Planetarium, you can see a plethora of films downtown. “Inside Job,” a documentary narrated by Hollywood golden boy Matt Damon, takes an in-depth look at the global financial calamity of 2008 that could have caused even more devastation that it did. Everyone from politicians to journalists to economists give their informed two cents about what happened and what it all means. (“Inside Job” shows Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.) Remember when Eliot Spitzer wasn’t a CNN commentator with his own show? Remember when he was the governor of New York state who, The New York Times revealed, had a penchant for prostitutes … errr, call girls? The tagline of “Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer” is “You don’t know the real story.” Since they think you don’t, go find out. (“Client 9” shows Jan. 14 at 9:10 p.m. and Jan. 15 and 21 at 7 p.m.) “Mesrine: Killer Instinct” and “Mesrine: Public Enemy #1” are Jean-Francois Richet’s venture into the life of French gangster Jacques Mesrine. Parisian thugs. Who knew? Mesrine kills, robs and kidnaps. He carries out his menace-to-so-

by Natalie A. Collier

BEST BETS Jan. 12 - 19, 2011 by Latasha Willis events@jacksonfreepress.com Fax: 601-510-9019 Daily updates at jfpevents.com

Wednesday 1/12

Historic preservationist Jennifer Baugh speaks during History Is Lunch at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.) at noon. Bring a lunch; call 601-5766850. … The Musicians & Muses concert at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.) is at 3 p.m. Free, $5 donation; call 601-974-1130. … Swing d’ Paris is at Underground 119. … Poets II has music by DJ Phingaprint. … The Intellectual Bulimics perform at Fenian’s.

Thursday 1/13 Dick DeMarsico/WorlD TelegraM

Jeanette Jarmon’s art exhibit at Fitness Lady (331 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland) is up through Jan. 25. Free; call

(1400 John R. Lynch St.) in the Student Center Ballroom is at 11:45 a.m. Free; call 601-979-2735. … The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Day talent show at Lanier High School (833 Maple St.) is at 6 p.m. Free; call 601-960-1090. … Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips performs at Wesley Biblical Seminary (787 E. Northside Drive) at 7:30 p.m. $40; call 601-278-3351 or 601-960-2300. … Schroeder, A Bullet Well Spent and The Hot Pieces perform in Hal & Mal’s Red Room. … Martin’s has music by Dead Gaze with John Barrett’s Bass Drum of Death.

saTurday 1/15

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade at Freedom Corner (intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Medgar Evers Blvd.) steps off at 10 a.m. Call 601-960-1090. … Suzetta Perkins signs copies of her books, including “Nothing Stays the Same,” at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.) at 2 p.m. $1-$28 books; call 601-750-6511. … Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents “Bravo III: Images from Around the World” with soloist Catherine Keen at Thalia Mara Hall at 7:30 p.m. $30 and up; call 601-9601565. … The Rainmakers are at Shucker’s. … Suite 106 has music by Kerry Thomas. … Cultural Expressions has Gospoetry. … Doug E. Fresh performs and judges the “Original Dougie” dance contest at Dreamz Jxn. Doors open at 9 p.m. For ages 21 and up. Call 601-720-0663.

sunday 1/16

January 12 - 18, 2011

Friday 1/14

TheClefNotesLuncheonatFairview Inn(734Fairview St.) is at 11:30 a.m. $26.50; call 601-981-5195. … The For 30 My People Awards Luncheon at Jackson State University

The “Welty Snapshots: At Home and Away” exhibit at Eudora Welty House (1119 Pinehurst Place) closes today. Free; call 601-353-7762. … Millsaps College and Tougaloo College’s Martin Luther King Day Celebration at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.) is at 10 a.m. Free; call 601-974-1130. …The Mix for Peace at Suite 106 is from noon-midnight and includes music by deejays Unpredictable, George Chuck, Nasty Show and ShanoMak. … Irish Frog has karaoke with Kokomo Joe from 6:30-10 p.m.

Tuesday 1/18

The “Attention to Detail” art exhibit at Cups in Fondren is up through Jan. 31. Free; call 601-362-7422. … The Mississippi Mass Choir performs at the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Convocation at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.) at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-979-2735. … Pub Quiz at Hal & Mal’s. … Fenian’s has open mic.

All Christmas decorations at N.U.T.S. (114 Millsaps Ave) are 50 percent off through Jan. 22. Hours are 9:30 a.m.4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Call 601-355-7458. … Historian Walter G. Howell speaks during History Is Lunch at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.) at noon. Bring a lunch; call 601-576-6850. … Rodney Crowell signs copies of “Chinaberry Sidewalks” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.). $24.95 book; call 601-366-7619. More events and details at jfpevents.com.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents “Bravo III: Images From Around the World” at Thalia Mara Hall Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. courTesy jiM MoriTsugu

601-856-0535. … Chris Gill performs at Burgers and Blues from 6-9 p.m. … Parents for Public Schools’ Lunch Bunch After Dark at the Mississippi Department of Education (359 N. West St.) is at 6:30 p.m. Free; call 601-969-6015, ext. 320. … The Clash of the Monsters monster-truck competition at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.) is at 8 p.m.; shows through Jan. 16. $12; call 601-353-0603. … Spirits of the House performs at Fenian’s. … Mark Whittington performs at Georgia Blue. … Scott Albert Johnson performs at Underground 119. … Jackie Bell and Friends are at Dreamz Jxn.

Monday 1/17

Wednesday 1/19

The River and Reverie, Cabbagetown and Mississippi Watercolor Society exhibits at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) close today. $3-$5, children under 5 and museum members free; call 601-960-1515. … A Touch of Class Bridal Show and Expo at the Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) is at 11 a.m. $20; call 601-988-1142. … See the ballet film “Swan Lake” at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) at 2 p.m. $16; call 601-960-2300. … Mike & Marty’s jam The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade will be held at Freedom Corner Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.

session at ToMara’s is from 4-9 p.m. Free. … The Lego Jackson exhibit at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.) closes today. Free; call 601-960-1557.

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. Listen to podcasts of all shows at jfpradio.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17. Valentine’s Date Night Feb. 4, at circa. (2771 Old Canton Road). Artist Christy Henderson debuts her exhibit of intriguing abstracts and love-themed works. With artisan-made gifts and a scent bar, you’re sure to find a perfect Valentine’s gift for someone special and yourself. Free admission; e-mail shannon@jacksonfreepress.com. Mississippi Happening ongoing. The monthly broadcast is hosted by Guaqueta Productions and features a special musical guest. Download free podcasts at mississippihappening.com.

Holiday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Day Jan. 14. Events include a literary contest at Margaret Walker Alexander Library (2525 Robinson Road) at 9 a.m., a commemorative program at the Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.) at noon and a talent show and competition at Lanier High School (833 Maple St.) at 6 p.m. Call 601-960-1090. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Jan. 15, 10 a.m., at Freedom Corner (intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Medgar Evers Blvd.). The annual parade features bands, performers and local celebrities. This year’s theme is “Dr. King’s Dream: The Truth Marches On!” Call 601-960-1090. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Celebration Jan. 16, 2 p.m., at Old Strangers Home Missionary Baptist Church (Garner Ave.). Several local acts will perform in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. Free; call 601-960-1090. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Jan. 17. Activities include a wreath-laying ceremony at Freedom Corner (Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Medgar Evers Blvd.) at 9 a.m., a birthday bash at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.) at noon and an awards banquet at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.) at 6:30 p.m. Call 601960-1090. Martin Luther King Celebration Jan. 16, 10 a.m., at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). The choral event is hosted in conjunction with Tougaloo College. Free; call 601974-1130. 42nd Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Convocation Jan. 18, 7 p.m., at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The program includes poetry readings by Amber Rose Johnson and John Eze Uzodinma, and a performance by the Mississippi Mass Choir. Free; call 601-979-2735.

Community New Vibrations Network Gathering Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church (4866 N. State St.). The mixer is held every second Thursday. Bring business cards and brochures to share with others. Call newvibrations2003@hotmail.com. Monday Night Football Mixer Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.). Each week, come to watch football on the big screen television and enjoy burgers, wings and drinks. Wrestling fans can watch WWE matches in the VIP Lounge. Free admission; call 601-979-3994. Mississippi Health Awareness Day Call for Host Sites through Jan. 19. The Coalition for a Healthier Mississippi is actively recruiting host sites and vendors to perform free health screenings during Mississippi Health Awareness Day on Jan. 20. Call 601-487-8269 or John Victorian at 601-487-8275.

Congressional Research Awards Call for Applicants through March 1. The Dirksen Congressional Center invites applications for grants to fund research on congressional leadership and the U.S. Congress. Political scientists, historians, biographers, scholars of public administration or American studies, and journalists are eligible. Only proposals submitted at dirksencenter.org/CRAForm/form. html will be accepted, and the deadline is March 1. E-mail fmackaman@dirksencenter.org. “Snow Happy for our Patrons!” Contest through Jan. 31, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Come inside and guess the number of snowflakes on display in the library. The person who guesses the exact number or comes the closest wins a prize. Call 601-932-2562. Cold Feet and Painful Legs: Peripheral Vascular Disease Jan. 12, 11:45 a.m., at Baptist Healthplex, Clinton (102 Clinton Parkway, Clinton). If you experience sharp pain in your calves when you walk that goes away when you rest, you could have a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Join cardiologist Dr. Nisheeth Goel to learn how PVD is diagnosed and treated. Lunch is provided. Registration is required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262. “History Is Lunch” Jan. 12, noon, at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). MDAH historic preservationist Jennifer Baughn shows images of and discusses Mississippi’s Rosenwald schools and “equalization period” schools. Bring a lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850. Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show Jan. 13, 8 a.m., at Natchez Convention Center (211 Main St., Natchez). The event will provide growers and backyard gardeners with a unique opportunity to hear the latest trends in the industry from the experts, visit with exhibitors from companies offering products and services necessary for fruit and vegetable production, and network with other growers. Register before Dec. 15 and receive a discount. $65 one day, $90 two days; call 662-325-2701. Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors. The City of Jackson’s Department of Human and Cultural Services and the staff of St. Dominic Health Service’s Care-A-Van outreach program will be providing blood-pressure checks and glaucoma awareness information to qualifying individuals ages 55 or older living within the Jackson city limits. Free; call 601-960-0335. • Jan. 13, 11 a.m., at Tougaloo Multi-Purpose Senior Citizens Center (318 Vine St.). • Jan. 18, 11 a.m., at Madonna Manor Retirement Center (550 Houston Ave.). Dining with the Divas Jan. 13, 11:30 a.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in the Leggett Center at the Campbell Student Center. Enjoy a luncheon with opera singers Susanna Phillips, Benita Valente and Catherine Keen. $25; call 601960-2300. Help for IBS and Fecal Incontinence Jan. 13, 11:45 a.m., at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. Join speakers OB/GYN Dr. Barbie Sullivan, gastroenterologist Dr. Michelle Petro, urogynecologist Dr. Robert Harris and nurse practitioner Dr. Mickie Autry to learn about treatment options. Registration is required. $5 optional lunch; call 601948-6262 or 800-948-6262. Precinct 2 COPS Meeting Jan. 13, 6 p.m., at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol St.). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0002. Lunch Bunch After Dark Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Mississippi Department of Education (359 N. West St.), in the auditorium. Parents for Public Schools and Jackson 2000 are the hosts. The program

includes a screening of the documentary “Call to Action: Beyond the Bricks,” followed by a discussion with the audience and panelists. A reservation is recommended. Free; call 601-969-6015, ext. 320.

weaves contemporary dance, music, and text with the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of African Americans and the African diaspora. $20; call 662-915-2787.

Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Call 601-982-8467. • State Interagency Council Committee Meeting Jan. 14, 9 a.m., Members of the Mississippi State Department of Health’s early intervention committee will meet in the Community Meeting Room. Open to the public. • Top Flite Financial Housing Seminar Jan. 15, 9 a.m., at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). The session will be in the Community Meeting Room. Call 601-957-5602.

Crossroads Music Video Showcase Call for Entries through Feb. 1. Musicians or filmmakers in or near Mississippi are eligible to participate. All music videos are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 1. Each music video selected for inclusion by the screening committee in the Crossroads Film Festival in April will receive tickets to the Music Video Showcase - one for the director and one for each band member. Please submit a separate entry form for each video. Free entry; visit crossroadsfilmfestival.com.

Clef Notes Luncheon Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m., at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). Mississippi Symphony Orchestra maestro Crafton Beck and mezzo-soprano Catherine Keen are the special guests. Reservations are required. $26.50; call 601-981-5195. For My People Awards Luncheon Jan. 14, 11:45 a.m., at Jackson State University Student Center Ballroom (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Honorees include Freedom Rider Hank Thomas, JSU dean Dr. Dollye Robinson and the Mississippi National Council of Negro Women. Seating is limited. Free; call 601-979-2735. Clash of the Monsters Jan. 14-16, at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). See monster truck competitions, motocross jumps and lawn mower races. Show times are 8 p.m. Jan. 14-15 and 2 p.m. Jan. 16. A “Party in the Pits” will be held Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. $12; call 601-353-0603. Marathon Makeover Kick-off Jan. 15, 10 a.m., at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road). The informational meeting will provide details on a 40-week fitness program that helps participants to train for and finish a half or full marathon. $299.95; call 888-647-8278. Sock Hop Jan. 15, 4 p.m., at Vicksburg Auditorium (901 Monroe St., Vicksburg). The event is a promotion for the Jan. 21 play “All Shook Up” and includes music, dancing and a “soda shoppe” with concessions for purchase. Wear 1950’s clothing and get in free. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed couple and individual. $5; call 601-636-3620. A Touch of Class Bridal Show and Expo Jan. 16, 11 a.m., at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The event includes food, entertainment, a fashion show and workshops. $20; call 601-988-1142. Grant Writing for Artists and Arts Organizations Jan. 18, 6 p.m., at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). Mississippi Arts Commission staff will present an overview of the agency’s grant programs and other services, followed by an in-depth discussion on how to prepare an application for the agency’s upcoming annual grant deadline of March 1. First-time applicants are encouraged to attend. Free; call 601-359-6030.

Stage and SCreen Mississippi Theatre Association 2011 Theatre Festival/Convention Jan. 13-16, at MSU Riley Center (2200 5th St., Meridian). High school and community theaters from around the state gather to celebrate theater and compete for the opportunity to advance to the regional festivals. The festival includes one-act high school and community theater productions, theater for youth productions, workshops, social events and more. $55, $40 students, $60 organizational membership, $6 lunch; call 662-418-3870. “Swan Lake” Jan. 16, 2 p.m., at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The ballet film is presented by the Mississippi Film Institute. $16; call 601-960-2300. Urban Bush Women Jan. 17, 8 p.m., at Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts (100 University Ave., Oxford). The performance ensemble

Jackson Comedy Night ongoing, at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.). Stand-up comedians perform every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $7; call 601-317-0769.

muSiC Events at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Call 601-974-1130. • Musicians & Muses Jan. 12, 3 p.m. Featuring the music of Crafton Beck and James Sclater, sopranos Cheryl Coker and Chrissy Hrivnak are accompanied by Jannette Sudderth on piano. Free, $5 donation suggested. • “Apparitions” Vocal Recital Jan. 16, 3 p.m. Maryann Kyle and the Mississippi Vocal Arts Ensemble perform. Free, $5 donation suggested. Spencer Bohren Jan. 13, 7 p.m., at B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (400 Second St.). The blues musician and educator performs traditional folk, blues, gospel and country music. $10, $5 members; call 662-887-9539. Susanna Phillips: A Gala Benefit Concert Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m., at Wesley Biblical Seminary, Wesley Chapel (787 E. Northside Drive). The Metropolitan Opera soprano will perform during the benefit for the Mississippi Opera and the Mississippi Chorus. $40; call 601-278-3351 or 601-960-2300. Bravo III: Images from Around the World Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). Selections by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra include Claude Debussy’s “Iberia,” Maestro Crafton Beck’s “Old English” and “Letter from the End of the World,” and Prokofiev’s movie score for “Alexander Nevsky” featuring mezzo-soprano Catherine Keen, the Alcorn State University Men Choir and the Mississippi Chorus. $30 and up; call 601-960-1565. Cotton District Arts Festival Songwriters Competition through Feb. 1. The Starkville Area Arts Council invites amateur and professional songwriters to submit an original, lyrical song into the festival competition. Songs will be judged on melody, composition, structure and lyrics. All genres of music are accepted. Open to all ages. Applications are available online at starkvillearts. org. The deadline for entries is Feb. 1 at 4:30 p.m. First, second, and third place prizes will be $250, $100 and $75 cash, respectively. All winners get to perform their song on one of the Cotton District Arts Festival main stages on April 23. $15 per song; call 662-325-3070. Chris Austin Songwriting Contest through Feb. 18. The contest recognizes winners in four categories—country, bluegrass, gospel/inspirational and general. To be eligible to enter, a songwriter must not derive more than 50 percent of his or her total income from songwriting or music publishing. All entries must be received by Feb. 18. 12 finalists will be announced during the first week of April and will compete at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, N.C. $30 entry fee; call 800-7993838 or 336-838-6158.

More EVENTS, see page 32

jacksonfreepress.com

JFP-SPonSored eventS

jfpevents

from page 31

LITERARY AND SIGNINGS Break the Binding Book Club Jan. 13, 5 p.m., at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). The club for teens age 12 and up meet once a month to discuss a specified book. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fallenâ&#x20AC;? by Lauren Kate. Refreshments provided. Call 601-932-2562.

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Looking for band mates? Wanting to sell your gear? Advertise here for free! Visit JFP Classifieds.com. If you are interested in sponsoring the Musicians Exchange call JFP Sales at 601-362-6121 ext. 11. 32

Suzetta Perkins Book Signing Jan. 15, 2 p.m., at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Perkins is the author of five books, including her newly released novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing Stays the Same.â&#x20AC;? All That Jazz and Circle of Color Book Clubs is the host. Refreshments will be served. $1-$28 books; call 601-750-6511. Chinaberry Sidewalks Jan. 19, 5 p.m., at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.). Rodney Crowell signs copies of his book; reading at 5:30 p.m. $24.95 book; call 601-366-7619. University of New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Seventh Annual Writing Contest for Study Abroad through Jan. 31. Three prizes to attend the University of New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; writing workshops in Edinburgh, Scotland, will be given to a poet, a fiction writer, and a creative nonfiction writer. Writers who have not published a book of 45 pages or more in the genre in which they are applying are eligible. The award includes full tuition and lodging, and the winning works are published in The Pinch. The editors of The Pinch will judge. Submit up to three poems totaling no more than five pages or up to 4,500 words of prose by Jan. 31. $25 entry fee; visit unopress.org/writingcontest.

CREATIVE CLASSES Blacksmithing with Bill Pevey Jan. 15-16, at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). Learn the basics of blacksmithing such as heat-treating and tempering steel. Students will make small items such as a wall hook, and advanced students will work on a detailed project such as creating a pot rack. Classes are from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. $215; call 601-856-7546. 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 Sep 3-Dec 31, 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 7:30-8:30 p.m. and Fridays from 5:30-6:30 pm. $10; call 601-853-7480. 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 Interstate 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. Fitness Center ongoing, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and access to a personal trainer. No joining fee or long-term commitment is required. Hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays. $20 per month; call 601-987-6783. Salsa Mississippi Dance Classes ongoing, at La Salsa Dance Club and Studio (303 Mitchell Ave.). Zumba class is held Mondays at 5:30 p.m. Tues-

days, take the bachata class at 6 p.m. or the mild salsa class at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, beginners salsa is taught at 6 p.m., and intermediate salsa is taught at 7 p.m. Advanced salsa class is on Thursdays at 6 p.m. A beginners salsa class is also taught at the Chapatoula Building (115 Cynthia St., Clinton). $10 per class; call 601-213-6355.

EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). 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. â&#x20AC;˘ Symphony Dinner and Lecture Series Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m., in Trustmark Grand Hall. In partnership with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the museum offers a prelude to the orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night of music. Enjoy cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the lecture at 6:45 p.m. A reservation is required. $25-$40 dinner. â&#x20AC;˘ River and Reverie: Paintings of the Mississippi by Rolland Golden through Jan. 16. Goldenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evocative riverscapes depict the iconic body of water at various times of day, and from many vantage points along its long, winding banks. â&#x20AC;˘ Cabbagetown: Photographs by Oraien Catledge through Jan. 16. Beginning in 1980, and for more than 20 years, Oraien Catledge captured in his black and white photographs the inhabitants and surroundings of the neglected industrial area near downtown Atlanta known as Cabbagetown. â&#x20AC;˘ Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibition through Jan. 16, in the public corridor. This annual presentation includes works from across the country in various waterbased mediums, organized in conjunction with the Mississippi Watercolor Society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Welty Snapshots: At Home and Awayâ&#x20AC;? through Jan. 17, at Eudora Welty House (1119 Pinehurst Place), in the Education and Visitor Center next door. The exhibit of photographs taken by author Eudora Welty features eight images from New York City and two from Mississippi during the Great Depression. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Free; call 601-353-7762. Lego Jackson through Jan. 16, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). See Scott Crawfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s model of the city of Jackson made of Lego blocks. Free; call 601-960-1557. Art Exhibit through Jan. 25, at Fitness Lady (331 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland). See works by Jeanette Jarmon. Free admission; call 601-906-3458. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Attention to Detailâ&#x20AC;? through Jan. 31, at Cups in Fondren (2757 Old Canton Road). See drawings and paintings by Scott Penman, and graphic designs by Jesse Stribling. Free; call 601-362-7422. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Love My Petâ&#x20AC;? Contest through Feb. 13, at Fondren Art Gallery (601 Duling Ave.). Bring a headshot of your pet to the gallery. A drawing will be held Feb. 13, and the winner will receive a free portrait of the photos painted by Richard McKey. Free; call 601-981-9222. 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.

BE THE CHANGE Jackson Public Schools Call for Volunteers ongoing. Jackson Public Schools is seeking volunteers to be mentors for seniors enrolled in the Advanced Seminar: Employability Skills course. Call 601-960-8310.

DIVERSIONS|music

by J. Ashley Nolen

Ladies Night

Award-Winning Opera Singer to Visit Jackson

is Thursday Night courtesy IMG ArtIsts

eviews fill her website with applause and praise. Once you see her perform, you won’t soon forget the experience. Who is she? Alabama native and operatic soprano, Susanna Phillips, recipient of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2010 Beverly Sills Artist Award, among other recognitions. Phillips has taken on a variety of roles in operas across the country. She doesn’t just do operas, though; the singer also performs at her own recital engagements. Phillips has performed recitals at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City. But you don’t have to go to the East Coast to see her. Her next engagement is Friday, Jan. 14, at Wesley Biblical Seminary (787 E. Northside Drive) at 7:30 p.m. The gala fund-raiser event benefits The Mississippi Chorus and Mississippi Opera. If you can’t wait until then to see her, though, meet Phillips at Dining with Divas, Thurs., Jan. 13, at 11:30 a.m. The opera singer, along with Benita Valente and Catherine Keen, lunch at Leggett Center at Millsaps College. Tickets are $25. Tickets to “Susanna Phillips in Concert” are $40, and are available by phone at 601-960-2300 or online at msopera.org. To learn more about Phillips, visit her website at susannaphillips.com.

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by Garrad Lee ing the kids / Lord, I know I ain’t right / I pray everyday that I can touch my people then lead ’em to the light,” he raps. Banner’s subject matter is probably the thing about “Death of a Pop Star” that will stand out to listeners unfamiliar with his less mainstream work. But Banner and Wonder don’t neglect to mix in a few tracks that pay homage to the ladies and equal out the heavy lyrical content. Of course, “Death of a Pop Star” is not entirely perfect. I do not get the fascination with Ludacris, who appears on “Be With You.” There are at least four other rappers from Atlanta who would have been better for the song (Big Boi, anyone?). Further, Banner’s perspective about homosexuality on “Something is Wrong” is wrong, I think. In the end, Banner and 9th Wonder have created an album so refreshingly honest, it is hard to fault either for things that I, or any other listener, may not agree with. Hip-hop is meant to, at the very least, stimulate discussion, especially across arbitrary, socially constructed lines. As such, “Death of a Pop Star” is a classic album that is greater than the sum of its parts and a much-anticipated return to form for David Banner. b.I.G.f.A.c.e. / entertAInMent one MusIc

ver a perfectly sparse, yet somehow still-cinematic beat, David Banner leaves no doubt about where his mind is with his new collaboration record with producer 9th Wonder, “Death of a Pop Star.” On “Diamonds on My Pinky,” Banner spits: “Bang, it’s the same damn thang / Boy’s Clubs closing while they build P.F. Chang’s / I’m from Mississippi where you let your nuts hang / And where the white folks let my ancestors do the same.” With these few lines, Banner tackles the issues of urban divestment and suburban trends and the historical legacy of the state where he grew up, all in the opening track. The rest of the album brings much of the same. When word started to spread that this album was in the works, excitement swelled. But there were skeptics, particularly those who were worried about how 9th Wonder, an underground wunderkind producer, would mesh with David Banner, who is best known outside Mississippi for the song “Play” and his production work with T.I. on “Rubberband Man.” Many wondered if the project would work. Those skeptics, though, probably never paid much attention to the producerturned-rapper’s previous work. 9th Wonder’s production ranks him as one of the best ever, among the likes of J. Dilla, Rza and DJ Premier. He has an uncanny ability to mold his production to the person he is working with, while not abandoning his core ideals and signature sound. His work with MURS is a case study of this: 9th constructed sample-heavy beats for MURS that sounded like they were made in a basement in his hometown of Los Angeles, not North Carolina, which the producer now calls home. 9th Wonder offers the same kind of work on “Death of a Pop Star.” He has replaced his reliance on sampling with the use of more live instrumentation to create a sound that, sonically, is as authentically Mississippi as the blues. The best example of this is “The Light,” with its heavy breakbeat drums and synth line that will sound at home in any club in Jackson. On this song, Banner deals with everything from religion to Obama to growing up on the streets. “Started living for money, yeah most of us did / Rappers turned to singers, preachers touch-

Thursday, Fri. & Sat.

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Danilo Eslava Caceres, Executive Chef/GM 2481 Lakeland Drive Flowood, MS 39232

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• $2 OFF Large Beer Pitchers • 2-for-1 Liquor & Wine • 2-for-1 Draft Beer Cozy Bar Inside, Covered Patio Outside

“Death of a Pop Star” is the recently released, highly anticipated album of Mississippi son David Banner in collaboration with super producer 9th Wonder.

TAKE- OU T AVAIL ABLE

971 Madison Ave. in Madison 601.605.2266 | Open 7 Days a Week

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Live Music No cover.

6720 Old Canton Rd., Ridgeland | 601.812.6862

Susanna Phillips performs live at Wesley Biblical Seminary Friday, Jan. 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The Key of

Free Apple Martini or Cosmo

livemusic Jan. 12 - Wednesday

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Weekly Lunch Specials

aLL sHows 10pm unLess noted WEDNESDAY

1/12

ladies night

LADIES PAY $5, DRINK FREE FRIDAY

1/14

DEAD GAZE with john barrett’s bass drum of death

SATURDAY

1/15

Open for dinner Sat. 4-10pm thursday

JANUARY 13

LADIES NIGHT LADIES DRINK FREE

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

friday

JANUARY 14

GODDAMN GALLOWS w/ Jayke Orvis

saturday

JANUARY 15

House of Hounds

the CedriC

burnside ProjeCt feat. Cedric, Gary & Cody Burnside

SUNDAY

1/16

MONDAY

1/17

JANUARY 18

OPEN MIC with Cody Cox

*DOLLAR BEER* wednesday

JANUARY 19

KARAOKE

OPEN MIC JAM

thursday

1/18

MATT’S LATE NIGHT KARAOKE

$2 MARGARITAS $1 HIGHLIFE & PBR WEDNESDAY

January 12 - 18, 2011

tuesday

KaraoKe TUESDAY

with the Riffs

1/19

ladies night

LADIES PAY $5, DRINK FREE 214 S. State St. • 601.354.9712 downtown jackson www.martinSlounge.net

w/ KJ STACHE JANUARY 20

LADIES NIGHT LADIES DRINK FREE

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

friday

JANUARY 21

Minor Adjustments FREE WiFi Open Mon-Sat, Kitchen open Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm & Sat 4-10 pm

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

Irish Frog - Reed Smith 6:30- 10 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Nathan Sings Burgers and Blues - The the Blues (blues lunch) free Starving Artists 7-11 p.m. Ole Tavern - Karaoke w/ DJ Underground 119 - Papa Grows Stache Funk $10 Irish Frog - Ralph Miller 6:30Fenian’s - Mike and Marty 10 p.m. Shucker’s - The Rainmakers Burgers and Blues - Jesse Suite 106 - Suite Life Fridays: “Guitar” Smith 6:30- DJ Phingaprint 9 p.m. 9:30 p.m. C-Notes - The Amazin’ Lazy Boi Underground 119 - Swing d’ Band Paris Hal and Mal’s - Swing d’ Paris Fenian’s - The Intellectual (rest.), Schroeder, A Bullet Bullimics Well Spent, The Hot Pieces Poets II - DJ Phingaprint (Red Room) Ford Academic Complex, Millsaps Pop’s Saloon - 51 South College - Musicians & Muses: Martin’s - Dead Gaze w/ Crafton Beck, James Sclater John Barrett’s Bass Drum w/ Cheryl Coker, Chrissy of Death myspace.com/ Hrivnak, and Jannette johnbarrettmusic Sudderth 4 p.m. free, $5 Reed Pierce’s - Trademark donation Soulshine, Old Fannin - Lizz Hal and Mal’s - Perry and Strowd Chester Soulshine, Township - Steve Regency - Snazz Chester Kathryn’s - Hunter Gibson Georgia Blue - Hunter Gibson C-Notes - Open Mic Night Fire - Guns of Addiction Silverstar Casino, Philadelphia Jan. 13 - Thursday - The O’Jays Hard Rock Casino, Biloxi - Ole Tavern - Ladies Night .38 Special Burgers and Blues - Chris Gill 6-9 p.m. Underground 119 - Scott Albert Jan. 15 - saTurday Johnson Ole Tavern - House of Hounds Fenian’s - Spirits of the House w/ The Riffs Georgia Blue - Mark Burgers and Blues - Fulkerson/ Whittington Pace 7-11 p.m. Suite 106 - 1913 Mixer w/ Delta Underground 119 - Big Al and Sigma Theta 6:30 p.m. free the Heavyweights $10 Leggett Center, Millsaps College Fenian’s - Jedi Clampett - Dining With The Divas: Cultural Expressions - Gospoetry Susanna Phillips, Benita Shucker’s - The Rainmakers Valente, Catherine Keen Suite 106 - Back to Basics: D.O. 11:30 a.m., $25 msopera.org Dubb, Trey Parker, Savvy, J.J. C-Notes - Richard Lee Davis Spade and Rashad Street Hal and Mal’s - Hawkins, Thalia Mara Hall - “Bravo III: Stracener, Deaton & Womack Images from Around the F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee World”: MS Symphony Dillon (blues lunch) free; Orchestra, Catherine Amazin Lazy Boi Band Keen, Mississippi Chorus, 10 p.m. $5 Crafton Beck 7:30 p.m. Dreamz Jxn - Centric Thursday: msorchestra.com Jackie Bell and Friends 5 p.m. Hal and Mal’s - Strange Pilgrims and Front Porch Dancers Jan. 14 - Friday Pop’s Saloon - 51 South Wesley Biblical Seminary - Miss. Martin’s - Cedric Burnside Project w/ Garry and Cody Opera & Miss. Chorus w/ Burnside 10 p.m. soprano Susanna Phillips Fire - Colt Ford 7:30 p.m. 877-MSOPERA C-Notes - Scott Albert Johnson, msopera.org Bob Gates F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Reed Pierce’s - Trademark Dillon (blues lunch) free; F. Jones Corner - Jackie Bell and Stevie J and the Blues Amazin Lazy Boi 10 p.m., $5 Eruption 10 p.m, $5 and $10 and $10 after midnight after midnight Dreamz Jxn - Old School Hip Fairview Inn - Clef Notes Hop w/ Doug E. Fresh 9 p.m. Luncheon 11:30 a.m., $26.50, Olga’s - Hunter Gibson call 601-981-5195 for ticket Regency - Snazz info Sportsman’s Lodge - Shaun Patterson and Kenny Davis Jan. 16 - sunday Ole Tavern - Goddamn Gallows Burgers and Blues - Bubba w/ Jayke Orvis and James Wingfield 5:30-9:30 p.m. Hunnicutt

1/14 1/14-15 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/17

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 Fenian’s - Monthly Ceili w/ The Jackson Irish Dancers 2 p.m.

Jan. 17 - Monday F. Jones Corner - Norman Clark (blues lunch) free Irish Frog - Karaoke w/ Kokomo Joe 6:30-10 p.m. Hal and Mal - Central MS Blues Society Jam 8 p.m.$5 Martin’s - Open Mic Free Jam Fenian’s - Karaoke Suite 106 - Mix for Peace: DJs Unpredictable, George Chuck, Nasty Show, ShanoMak 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Ford Academic Complex Recital Hall, Millsaps College - Millsaps College/Tougaloo College Martin Luther King Day Celebration 10 a.m. free Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Ole Miss - Urban Bush Women (contemporary dance company) 8 p.m., $20 fordcenter.org

Jan. 18 - Tuesday Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 6:30- 9:30 p.m. Ole Tavern - Open Mic w/ Cody Cox Fenian’s - Open Mic C-Notes - Acoustic Jam feat. Brian Jones Hal and Mal’s - Pub Quiz F. Jones Corner - Jason Bailey (blues lunch) free Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson and Rick Moreira

Jan. 19 - Wednesday F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues lunch) free Irish Frog - Ralph Miller 6:3010 p.m. Ole Tavern - Karaoke w/ DJ Stache Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 6:30- 9:30 p.m. Underground 119 - Swing d’ Paris Fenian’s - Big Juv Hal and Mal’s - Barry Leach Regency - Snazz 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.

Bobby Vinton - IP Casino Resort and Spa, Biloxi Rodney Carrington - Beau Rivage Theatre, Biloxi Little Feat - House of Blues, New Orleans Credence Clearwater Revisited - Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville, La. Brian McKnight - Delta Downs Event Center, Vinton, La. Girl Talk - Minglewood Hall, Memphis

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) Fuego Mexican Cantina 318 S. State St., Jackson, 601-592-1000

The JFP music listings are dedicated to founding music listings editor Herman Snell, who passed away in 2010. Fusion Coffeehouse Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-6001 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 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

Divisional playoffs Saturday & Sunday

Wednesday, January 12th

SWING DE PARIS

(Gypsy Jazz) 8-11, No Cover

2 for 1 All Mixed Drinks, $1.50 Beer Specials, 50 cent Boneless Wings

Thursday is Wing Night!

7pm-11pm Wings for 55 cents! 1428 Old Square Road in Jackson 601.713.2700 lastcallsportsgrill.com

Thursday, January 13th

SCOTT ALBERT JOHNSON (Blues) 8-11, No Cover Friday, January 14th

PAPA GROWS FUNK (Funk) $10 Cover

Saturday, January 15th

BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

(Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover THURSDAY - JANUARY 13 LADIES NIGHT: DRINK FREE 9-11PM FRI & SAT - JANUARY 14 & 15

51 SOUTH

Wednesday, January 19th

SWING DE PARIS

(Gypsy Jazz) 8-11, No Cover SUNDAY - JANUARY 16 8 BALL TOURNAMENT

Thursday, January 20th

MONDAY - JANUARY 17 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8-11, No Cover

Free Hot Wings, $3 Pitchers during game

TUESDAY - JANUARY 18

POOL LEAGUE NIGHT

WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 19 MIKE MOTT KARAOKE 2636 S. Gallatin Jackson, MS 39204

601-961-4747

www.myspace.com/popsaroundthecorner

BRET MOSLEY Friday, January 21st

FEARLESS FOUR (Funk) $10 Cover

119 S. President Street 601.352.2322 www.Underground119.com

jacksonfreepress.com

venuelist

Doctor S sez: If rematches spice up the NFL playoffs, this weekend’s games are Thai-hot. THURSDAY, JAN. 13 Men’s college basketball, Mississippi State at Ole Miss (8 p.m., Starkville, ESPN2, 105.9 FM, 97.3 FM): The hoops edition of the Egg Bowl will answer many questions about the Bulldogs and Rebels. FRIDAY, JAN. 14 NBA basketball, Dallas at San Antonio (7 p.m.): This Mavericks got off to a hot start before injuries slowed them down. Meanwhile, the Spurs are still going strong. SATURDAY, JAN. 15 Men’s college basketball, Georgia at Ole Miss (4 p.m., Oxford, FSN South, 97.3 FM): The “other” Bulldogs are looking better this season. … NFL football, AFC Divisional playoffs, Baltimore at Pittsburgh (3:30 p.m., Ch. 12): The Ravens and Steelers will be bringing the pain again in their third meeting of the season. … NFC Divisional playoffs, Green Bay at Atlanta (7 p.m., Ch. 40): The Packers-Falcons winner will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. You heard it here first. SUNDAY, JAN. 16 Men’ college basketball, Auburn at Mississippi State (1 p.m., Starkville, FSN South, 105.9 FM): The Bulldogs have a bad habit of losing home games to teams

Curses, Foiled Again A British court convicted Amir Ali, 28, of throwing two bricks through the window of a West Sussex pub while his unidentified accomplice followed with a Molotov cocktail. Security cameras showed the firebomb bounce back and accidentally hit Ali, engulfing him in flames. The fire went out immediately, but panic-stricken Ali fled and ran headfirst into a lamppost. (Britain’s The Telegraph)

From O.P.E.C. to O.L.E.C. The U.S. strategy to end dependence on foreign oil by promoting hybrid and all-electric motor vehicles could create dependence on foreign lithium, which powers costly, bulky batteries for those vehicles. Chile and Argentina produce more than half the world’s lithium, found mostly in salt beds high in the Andes Mountains. Worldwide demand has spurred a mining boom there, but geologist Horacio Dias declared, “We think there is enough here to last many years.” (The Washington Post)

January 12 - 18, 2011

Chronicle of Lower Education

The Oregon Department of Education said students at middle and high schools may use their computers’ spell-check feature to correct their work before submitting answers to state writing tests. “We are not letting a student’s keyboarding skills get in the way of being able to judge their writing ability,” Superintendent Susan Castillo said. (Portland’s The Oregonian) Scholars found dozens of errors in two history textbooks used by Virginia schools. “I absolutely could not believe the number of mistakes — wrong dates and wrong facts everywhere,” said Ronald Heinemann, a former history professor at Hamp-

like the Tigers. They can’t afford to do that this year. … NFL football, NFC Divisional series, Seattle at Chicago (noon, Ch. 40): The clock is about to strike midnight for the Cinderella Seahawks. … AFC Divisional series, New York Jets at New England (3:30 p.m., Ch. 12): The teams that play in the Super Bowl won’t hate each other as much as the Jets and Patriots do. MONDAY, JAN. 17 Men’s college basketball, Jackson State at Prairie View (6 p.m., Prairie View, Texas, ESPNU, 620 AM): The Tigers are better than the Panthers, but strange things always seems to happen to JSU in Texas. TUESDAY, JAN. 18 NBA basketball, Atlanta at Miami (6:30 p.m., SportSouth): Can the Hawks turn down the haughty Heat? WEDNESDAY, JAN. 19 Men’s college basketball, Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, 8 p.m., Nashville, Tenn., CSS, 97.3 FM): Going to Music City is never any fun for the Rebels. The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who just heard “Bust A Move” on a TV ad. Now he won’t be able to get that damn song out of his head for a week. Keep your head in the game at JFP Sports on JFPSports.com.

den-Sydney College, who reviewed “Our Virginia: Past and Present.” He recommended it “should be withdrawn from the classroom immediately.” Among the mistakes in “Our Virginia” and “Our America: To 1865,” are that New Orleans began the 1800s as a U.S. harbor (actually a Spanish colonial port), that the Confederacy included 12 states (actually 11), that thousands of black soldiers fought for the South (disputed by most mainstream historians) and that the U.S. entered World War I in 1916 (actually 1917). The books’ author, Joy Masoff, admitted relying on the Internet for her research. Five Ponds Press of Weston, Conn., publishes both books, which the Virginia Department of Education approved and many local school districts favor, according to Kenneth Bassett, social studies supervisor for Prince William County schools, because Five Ponds Press books are “substantially less expensive than the … next highest-rated competitor.” (The Washington Post)

The End of Regifting Amazon has devised a system that lets people return unwanted gifts before receiving them. The online retailer’s patent, which is 12 pages long and involves diagrams and complicated algorithms to address various gift situations, includes an option that lets users flag gifts from designated senders “because the user believes that this potential sender has different tastes than the user.” Once alerted, the system converts any gift from specified senders to a gift certificate and automatically sends “a thank you note for the original gift, even though the original gift is converted.” (The Washington Post) Compiled from mainstream media sources by Roland Sweet. Authentication on demand.

COURTESY DARRYL LEHTOLA

Man of Steel

DIVERSIONS|sports

Darryl Lehtola has competed in 13 Ironman triathlons over the past decade, including one in Wisconsin in 2006.

fter running marathons for 30 years and competing in 13 Ironman triathlons in 10 years, for Brandon resident Darryl Lehtola, a trip to Kona, Hawaii would fulfill a dream that started in 1984: to compete in the Super Bowl of Ironman events, the Ford Ironman World Championship held every October in Kailua-Kona (or Kona for short), on the big island of Hawaii. That year, Lehtola’s uncle, George Nereo, was traveling to Hawaii, and he wanted to join him and challenge the Ironman triathlon. “In those early years, you did not have to qualify to compete, but to do so I would have to sit out at least a semester of college, so I passed on going,” Lehtola says. Still, Lehtola can call himself an Ironman, having finished qualifying events in the allotted time. “It is a badge of honor to finish an event,” Lehtola says. “You do not wear the logo or call yourself an Ironman unless you have completed the course and earned the title.” Ironman triathlons—ultra long-distance triathlons—are the toughest, most grueling and will-breaking events any man or woman can undertake. Modern triathlons range from super sprints totaling 400 meters (a quarter-mile swim, 6.2 mile bike race and 1.5 mile run), to Olympic length (0.93 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike race and 6.2 mile run), to the ultra-long distance Ironman. Each Ironman event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike race followed by a marathon of 26.2 miles. Races typically begin at 7 a.m., and racers have up to 17 hours to complete the entire course; the cut-off time for the swim is 2 hours 20 minutes; the bike cut off is 5:30 p.m., and all finishers must complete their marathon by midnight. Athletes are divided by gender and then into 12 age groups starting at 18-24 and ending at 75+, and into two open “pro” divisions. At 47, Lehtola competes in the men’s 45-49 age group. His best time in an Ironman event is 11 hours, 5 minutes and 7 seconds, earned in 2003 in Panama City, Fla. Not fast enough, yet, for Kona. The record for Lehtola’s age group is 9 hours, 11 minutes and 56 seconds.

by Bryan Flynn Training for a triathlon is just as taxing or even more taxing than the event itself. “You definitely do not wake up on Friday morning and decide to start an Ironman event,” Lehtola says. “But you do need the support of family and friends to train and finish an Ironman.” Lehtola trains year round, and listening to his training schedule could make you feel tired just thinking about all the swimming, biking and running. “Ironman training means having to sacrifice sleep or family time,” Lehtola says. After his son, Zackery, was born in 1992, he remembers finding it difficult to train and still find time to spend with him. Being an Ironman is expensive as well. Not only do you have to pay for lodging and travel, but you must ship your bike, pony up for entry fees (up to $650 for the 2011 World Championships), and provide your own food and drink on the course if you have special nutritional needs and can’t use the course-provided food and drink. The sport of ultra-long-distance marathoning began in Hawaii, where the world championships still take place. During an awards ceremony for the 1977 Oahu Perimeter Relay (a running race for five-person teams), an argument broke out over which athletes were the fittest: runners or swimmers. U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Collins suggested combining the three existing long-distance competitions held on the island: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the Around-Oahu Bike Race and the Honolulu Marathon. “Whoever finishes first, we’ll call him the Ironman,” Collins said, and thus, a new triathlon sport was born. The first Hawaiian race, in February 1978, drew 15 competitors, and 12 finished the course. Today, only 1,800 competitors out of more than 80,000 contenders earn a shot at a chance to compete and divide $580,000 in prize money. For most competitors, he or she must win a spot through competing in one of the seven or eight qualifying Ironman events held each year in the United States or at one of the 17 or so other events held across the globe, including several in Europe, Asia and Australia. “If I had gone (in 1984), it would have been two years before they started making people qualify for Kona,” Lehtola says. “It is a goal to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona,” Lehtola says, “but times are getting faster, and athletes are training better than before.” The world’s records are amazingly short given the distance: Luc Van Lierde from Belgium holds the world record for men on the Hawaii course with a winning time of 8 hours, 4 minutes and 8 seconds set in 1996. Paula Newby-Fraser from Zimbabwe set the women’s course record in 1992 with a time of 8 hours, 55 minutes and 28 seconds. Still, Lehtola is cautiously optimistic. As the Ironman motto says: “Anything is possible.” “Swim 2.4 miles. Bike 112 miles. Run 26.2 miles,” he says. “Brag for the rest of your life.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past,” comedian Lily Tomlin said. I recommend that you make this a keynote during the next six months. According to my understanding of the astrological omens, you will have the best opportunity you’ve had in a long time to put some of your unsettling memories to sleep for good. This is your big chance to graduate from old anxieties that can never be resolved. You’re ﬁnally ready to declare your independence from messy burdens and maddening riddles that have haunted you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

If you want to be healed, whether from a physical malady or a psychic wound, there’s one prerequisite you have to meet: You have to be willing to learn a lesson that your suffering has invited you to study. I would go so far as to say that no one, no matter how skilled a healer, can help cure you until you have taken that ﬁrst step. So what teaching is it that you would need to explore in order to transform your distress into wisdom?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Are you ready to get the fun surprise you were promised in your dreams? Are you fully prepared to collect the elegant prize you were guaranteed before you were born? I don’t think you are—mostly because you’re not thoroughly convinced that you deserve these wonders. From what I can tell, your self-doubts are still more substantial than your self-worth. And as long as that holds true, you will continue to hold your just rewards at bay. So let’s make it your project in the next three weeks to elevate your levels of self-worth. It doesn’t mean you’ll have to completely shed your self-doubts, so don’t worry about trying to pull off that impossible project. All you need to do is adjust your self-worth to self-doubt ratio so it’s at least 51 percent to 49 percent.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

What empire are you building, Aries? What master plan are you in the midst of carrying out? As you gaze out upon your realm, are you content with the way it’s evolving? Judging from the current astrological omens, I’d say it’s an excellent time to ponder questions like those. And if your

inventory reveals that you’re missing some pieces of the big picture’s puzzle, I suggest you set out on a quest to locate them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

In a famous psychology experiment, test subjects watched a video of six people passing basketballs to each other. Their assignment was to count how many passes were thrown and caught by the three people wearing white shirts, while ignoring passes between the three wearing black shirts. But there was a trick embedded in the exercise. Midway through the video, a person wearing a gorilla suit ambled into the scene, thumped his chest and quickly departed. Half of the test subjects did not notice this intrusion. They were too focused on the task of counting the passes made by the players in white. (Watch it here: tinyurl.com/TrickGorilla.) In the coming week, Taurus, I expect that you will experience at least one similar trick. Look for the unexpected.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Astrologer Hunter Reynolds says that when you are at your best, you Geminis specialize in “enlightened impatience.” You don’t get trapped expressing polite deference in situations that drain your energy. You don’t tolerate boring experiences just because they’re supposed to be good for you. You’d rather “err on the side of learning-through-toomuch-movement” than get bogged down in “principled sluggishness.” But while that’s how you are when you’re at your peak, you can also be susceptible to the dark side of this talent. Sometimes you abort a potential breakthrough by prematurely ﬂeeing a useful but difﬁcult scene. I sus-

pect you may be prone to that kind of behavior right now. My advice: Be skeptical of your escape reﬂex.

venture into those dark places, you’ll eventually uncover ten suns’ worth of illumination.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In her poem “Heathen,” Lesley Wheeler describes a young boy who puts his ear up against his mother’s ear “so that the god in your head can talk / to the god in mine.” The coming weeks would be an excellent time for you to try something similar with people you care for. It’s a ripe moment to raise the stakes in your intimate life … to get closer than you’ve dared to get before … to retire the familiar stories you and your allies are in the habit of exchanging so that you can tune in to the deeper hum of each other’s wilder truths.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

There’s a guy on the Internet—calls himself Tian—whose mission is to correct Westerners who misunderstand and misuse Chinese characters. Many of the people who write to him for advice are Americans who have come to suspect that the Chinese characters they got tattooed on their ﬂesh don’t really mean what they were led to believe (bit. ly/WrongTat). For example, Tian informed one person that a tattoo whose character supposedly says “to learn as much as possible” actually means “empty, hollow, bare, deserted.” I offer this up as a cautionary tale, Leo. In the coming days, make sure you’re not under a misapprehension about what you’re taking on and taking in. Choose only the very best imprints—and verify that they are what you think they are.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

I regard 2011 as an excellent time for you to cultivate your unique talents, some of which may still be latent or undiscovered. With that in mind, consider these thoughts. Ernest Hemingway said a person had to have “the guts of a burglar” to develop his or her talent. Neurologist and author Dr. Alice W. Flaherty believes that the drive to use one’s talent is even more important than the amount of raw talent one has. And here’s novelist Erica Jong: “Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow that ‘talent’ to the dark place where it leads.” P.S. If you do

Back in 1962, an American company named Corning created a product that was so revolutionary, no one could figure out how to exploit it in practical ways. It was “Gorilla glass,” a glass that’s so strong it’s almost impossible to break or even scratch. Only recently has it found a commercial application, first in cell phones and other mobile devices and next in a new generation of ultra-thin TV screens. I foresee a comparable development in your immediate future, Libra: Some ahead-of-its-time breakthrough you made a while ago that can finally be used to improve your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

When I arrived at my acupuncturist’s waiting room, there were just two magazines on the table: The celebrity rag People Style Weekly and the spiritually oriented Shambala Sun. The ﬁrst offered articles on “hot new handbags and shoes under $99” and “easy ways to get gorgeous hair, skin and nails.” The second provided a “guide to mindful living,” with advice about how to get centered, focused and relaxed. I thought that was metaphorically similar to the choice you will face in the coming week, Scorpio. It’s up to you: Which way do you want to go?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I can almost categorically guarantee that in 2011 you will have no encounters with ﬁre demons, wart-ridden vampires, two-headed dogs, moaning ghosts, wayward werewolves or extraterrestrial robots. Nope. You can pretty much go ahead and make plans based on the assumption that you won’t have to account for intrusions like that. But I can also assure you that the lack of crazy encounters with unhinged monsters does not mean your life will suffer from blahs or boredom. On the contrary: I think this could be one of your most interesting years in a decade. To prepare yourself, make sure you don’t unconsciously equate adventure with chaos; imagine what it would be like to experience mystery and intrigue that uplift you.

All of us are trying to wake up from our sleepy delusions about the nature of life. What will be your most potent wake-up technique in 2011? Go to Freewillastrology.com and click “E-mail Rob.”

Last Week’s Answers

BY MATT JONES

Down

“Crunchy on the Outside”--fry that sucker! Across

1 Greased up 6 180 degrees from NNE 9 Whip it, whip it real good 13 It follows diciembre 14 “Yeah, I bet you do...” laugh 15 Lotion additive 16 Aspire toward 17 “Light bulb” moment 19 Pattern studied by Dexter Morgan 21 “Iron Man 2” director Jon 22 Extra-wide shoe size 23 Air quality watchdogs: abbr. 26 Have ___ for (require) 27 It’s tested with a toe 30 Name a price 31 Late Sex Pistol Vicious 32 Fill full of bubbles

33 Air transport for Bruce Wayne’s alter ego 36 Center of the Turkish government 39 Where riders may stand 40 Sine’s reciprocal, in trig: abbr. 43 All organisms in one area, collectively 45 Winter coat 47 36-down rival 48 Stephen of “The Crying Game” 49 Some time ago 51 Like ﬁsh for ﬁsh & chips -- or this puzzle’s four theme entries 53 Show with dilithium crystals 56 Experts 57 Drug unit 58 Before, to poets 59 “The Bottle Let Me Down” singer

1 Female NASCAR racer/eco-activist ___ Munter 2 Stoic 3 Word between “never” and “seen” 4 Ate away 5 Backs, in anatomical terms 6 Stadium replaced by Citi Field in 2009 7 Sevensome 8 The good guys wear them in westerns 9 Bert who played The Cowardly Lion 10 Pie ___ mode 11 Archie Arnett, to Amy Poehler 12 “Over here!” 16 Patsy and Edina’s Britcom, to fans 18 Herman with a Broadway show 20 ___ bone (pelvis component) 23 Vowel in Greece 24 Iguana or chihuahua 25 “All your base ___ belong to us” 28 Acrobat Reader maker 29 Abbr. at the top of sheet music 31 Black Hills Spruce, e.g. 33 Emeril noise 34 Noah’s mountain 35 Less contaminated 36 47-across rival 37 Pen point 38 Boxing stats 40 Harm, as an economy 41 Buzzing pest that sucks 42 Dealmakers? 44 Breakfast skillet ingredients 45 Lion gangs 46 Tijuana Brass bandleader Herb 50 Edward James Olmos’s “Battlestar Galactica” role

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 #0495.

BY MATT JONES

Last Week’s Answers 8

6 5

9 8

4 17

7 7

6 1 2

9 4

3 13

8 16

1 15

4 11

6 1

2 16

6 10

8 9 3

9 7

1 6 3 5 4

2 8

3 2 4

9 8

“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

Haggard 60 From the beginning 61 Double curve 62 Fall ﬂower

A True Taste

of Italy

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coffee houses

Cups Espresso Café (Multiple Locations, www.cupsespressocafe.com) Jackson’s local group of coffeehouses offer high-end Arabica beans, a wide variety of espresso drinks. Wi-fi. Wired Espresso Café (115 N State St 601-500-7800) This downtown coffeehouse is a true gathering place, featuring great coffee and a selection of breakfast, lunch and pastry items. Wi-fi.

bakery

910 Lake Harbour Dr. Ridgeland | 601-956-2929 Monday - Saturday | 5 - until

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Pizza

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2003-2010, Best of Jackson

707 N. Congress Street Downtown Jackson • (601) 353-1180 Open 11am-2pm, Sunday thru Friday

Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Jay Lang

and the Devil’s Due Jackson

Byram

1801 Dalton Street (601) 352-4555 Fax: (601) 352-4510

5752 Terry Road (601) 376-0081 Fax: (601) 373-7349

January 15th, 2011 8:00pm | $5.00 Cover 601-362-6388

1410 Old Square Road • Jackson

VASILIOS

AUTHENTIC GREEK DINING

SUNDAY January 12 - 18, 2011

BRUNCH

Broad Street Bakery (4465 Interstate 55 N. 601-362-2900) Hot breakfast,coffee espresso drinks, fresh breads and pastries, gourmet deli sandwiches, quiches, soups, pizzas and dessert. Campbell’s Bakery (3013 N State Street 601-362-4628) Cookies, cakes and cupcakes are accompanied by good coffee and a full-cooked Southern breakfast on weekdays . Primos Cafe (2323 Lakeland 601-936-3398/ 515 Lake Harbour 601-898-3400) A Jackson institution featuring a full breakfast, blue-plate specials, catfish, burgers, prime rib, oysters, po-boys and wraps. Save room for something from their famous bakery! For Heaven’s Cakes (4950 Old Canton Road 601-991-2253) Cakes and cupcakes for all occasions including weddings, parties, catered events. Beagle Bagel (4500 I-55 North, Suite 145, Highland Village 769-251-1892) Fresh bagels in tons of different styles with a variety of toppings including cream cheese, lox, eggs, cheese, meats and or as full sandwiches for lunch. Paninis, wraps and much more!

• Fresh Seafood Daily • Gyros, Greek Salads, And Appetizers • Daily Lunch Specials

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. A Metro-Area Tradition Since 1977

Lunch: Fri. & Sun. | 11am-2pm Dinner: Tues. -Sat. & Sun. | 5pm-9pm

601-919-2829 5417 Lakeland Drive ~ Flowood, MS 39232

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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 “eclectic” menu at Mellow Mushroom. Award-winning beer selection. The Pizza Shack (1220 N State St. 601-352-2001) 2009 and 2010’s winner of Best Pizza offers the perfect pizza-and-a-beer joint. Creative pizza options abound along with sandwiches, wings, salads and even BBQ. Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St. 601-368-1919) Pizzas of all kinds plus pasta, eggplant parmesan and the local favorite: fried ravioli. Best Chef, Best Dessert, Best Kid’s Menu & Best Ice Cream in the 2010 Best of Jackson.

italian

BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N., Jackson, 601-982-8111) Wood-fired pizzas, vegetarian fare, plus creative pastas, beef, and seafood specials. Award-winning wine list. 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!

barbeque

Hickory Pit Barbeque (1491 Canton Mart Rd. 601-956-7079) The “Best Butts in Town” features BBQ chicken, beef and pork sandwiches along with burgers and po’boys. Lumpkins BBQ (182 Raymond Rd. Jackson 866-906-0942) Specializing in smoked barbeque, Lumpkin’s offers all your favorites for on-site family dining or for catered events, including reunions, office events, annivesaries, weddings and more.

bars, Pubs & burgers Cherokee Inn (960 Briarfield Rd. 601-362-6388) Jackson’s “Best Hole in the Wall,” has a great jukebox, great bar and a great burger. Plate lunches, cheesy fries and tons more, including a full bar and friendly favorites. Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie, 601-713-3020) A Best of Jackson fixture, Cool Al’s signature stacked, messy, decadent, creative burgers defy adjectives. And don’t forget the fries! Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St. 601-948-0055) Classic Irish pub featuring a menu of traditional food, pub sandwiches and beers such as Guinness and Harp on tap. Stamps Superburgers (1801 Dalton Street 601-352-4555) Huge burgers will keep you full until the next day! The homestyle fries are always fresh. 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. Last Call (3716 I-55 N. Frontage Road 601-713-2700) Burgers, sandwiches and po-boys, plus sports-bar appetizers and specialities. 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 poboys 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.

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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! 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. 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!

ASIAN

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 “Best Chinese” 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 stirfrys using fresh ingredients and great sauces.

SoutherN cuISINe

Mimi’s Family and Friends (3139 North State Street 601-366-6111) Funky local art decorates this Fondren eatery, offering cheese grits, red beans & rice, pork tacos and pimento cheese, among many others. Breakfast and lunch, new days are Tuesday-Sunday. The Strawberry Café (107 Depot Drive, Madison, 601-856-3822) Full 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, Sun.

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. Rocky’s (1046 Warrington Road, Vicksburg 601-634-0100) Enjoy choice steaks, fresh seafood, great salads, hearty sandwiches and much more in the “polished casual” 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. Crawfish, oysters, crab and steaks dominate, with creative option like Crab Mac ‘n Cheese, Oysters Rockefeller and Duck Jezebel.

We Serve Lunch Too! Happy Hour Monday until 7PM

Wednesday Nights

medIterrANeAN/Greek/INdIAN

mexIcAN/LAtIN AmerIcAN

Fuego Mexican Cantina (318 South State Street,601-592-1000) Next to Club Fire in downtown, Fuego is Jackson’s all-new Mexican restaurant. King Tortas International Deli (1290 E. County Line Rd, Ridgeland, 601-983-1253) Bakery and taqueria; try the fried plantains!

VeGetArIAN

High Noon Café (2807 Old Canton Road in Rainbow Plaza 601-366-1513) Fresh, gourmet, tasty and healthy defines the lunch options at Jackson’s own strict vegetarian (and very-vegan-friendly) restaurant.

Shows & Karaoke 9p-1a

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FRI & SAT, JANUARY 14 & 15

JAREKUS

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1/2 off Filet Dinner Special

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1855 Lakeland Drive Jackson, MS 39216 | Ph: 601-364-9411 F: 601-364-9462 WWW.POETS2.NET

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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. Vasilios (828 Hwy 51 in Madison 601-853-0028) Authentic Greek dining featuring fresh seafood daily along with gyros, greek salads, appetizers and signature Mediterranean desserts. Their redfish is a standout, earning rave reviews.

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January 12 - 18, 2011

Please mention this coupon when ordering. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per purchase.

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hibachi grill & sushi

153 Ridgeway, Ste 105F, Flowood Telephone: (601) 919 - 0097

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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 Mon - Thur: 11am-10pm Fri - Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am - 9pm

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read more Body&Soul stories and the blog at jacksonfreepress.com

by Elaanie Stormbender

Keep Your Love Alive

January 12 - 18, 2011

File Photo

t’s easy to forget how much you love your partner when you’re focused on the dayto-day concerns of life. One key to a long-term loving relationship is to remember what it was that led you to say “yes,” to begin with. • Look beyond the negative. Constantly focusing on what’s wrong is a surefire way to kill romance. It’s natural, but not inevitable. Write down what it was about your partner that you fell in love with, and look for those traits instead of his or her faults. • Examine expectations. Unfulfilled expectations cause upsets, so try to keep yours realistic. If your partner isn’t your hero, maybe you’ve set the bar too high. • Recognize love. Words are important, but people express love in different ways. Listening, doing without being asked, being respectful, and being responsive are all ways people show love and affection. • Cherish memories. Find ways to collect good memories. When you’re upset or angry, allow a memento to remind you of your love. • Forgive, and choose love. Let go of grievances. Instead, find and practice ways to recommit to your partner every day.

A Perfectly Charming Couple “By all means, marry; if you get a good wife, you will be happy. If you get a bad one, you will become a philosopher.”

—Socrates

rom the day they first met at the local gym until the romantic honeymoon in Hawaii, life has been just right for Dr. Charming and Miss Perfect. They are destined to be the great love story of the modern-day South. She is beautiful and intelligent and keeps up with his every athletic step. He is educated, funny, tall and handsome, and has some rockin’ six-pack abs. They like the same movies and music (mostly). She does not mind (much) that he likes to go hunting with his buddies. He thinks her assertive personality and opinionated conversation are intriguing. She loves his mother, he loves hers, and everyone is just one big happy family. With so much perfection, how could they fail? What awaits Dr. and Mrs. Charming is a transition to real life. This will be more difficult than it seems, because what they do not realize is that life naturally seeks balance. After the highs of romance come the inevitable lows. Almost worse is the middle ground, that time when we must pick the undies up off the floor, do the laundry, cut the grass, repair the leaky faucet, make a budget, decide who does what chores and get on with the more mundane affairs of living. After babies begin to arrive, Mrs. Charming is exhausted from working and caring for the children and home. All he wants to do after a hard day at the office is get to the couch so he can watch Monday night football—uninterrupted—with the boys.

Who has time for the gym anymore? Her great cooking has done its job, and now the only six-pack Dr. Charming has is the Miller Lite in their refrigerator. Oh, yeah! He still wants sex before he falls asleep at night; but she is certain he would not know how to pleasure her if he had a map and a personal massage device (sold as a novelty—for external use only). Oh, marital bliss. In no time at all, the Charmings are an ordinary family of four with too many bills. The most exciting part of the week is a trip to the local buffet and a Netflix movie at home. The perfectly Charming couple have forgotten who they are as individuals and who they planned to be as a couple. In fact, they failed to plan at all.

Rituals of Love

ne out of every five first marriages end in divorce in the first five years, and one out of three first marriages end in 10 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The most successful relationships are those following an “enduring dynamics model,” reported Psychology Today in April 2000. Couples who establish positive behavior patterns early and maintain them over time and through the natural transitions of their relationship have a greater chance of staying together. They are critical for maintaining stability, the authors said.

They are the same people, but they have become roommates who pay bills and rear children. My advice to Dr. and Mrs. Charming? Choose not to live life by default. Never discount the value of fun and laughter for your personal health and that of your relationship. Nurture yourself and your partner, together and separately, every day. Plan a new challenge every few months. Learn new things together, travel and work together, choose friendships together, and never let anything become more important than your relationship, not even your kids. One other thing: Miss Perfect, if he needs a map, don’t be shy. Draw him one … literally. Dr. Charming, if she draws you a map, don’t be insulted. Thank her, and have fun following it. The same study showed that learning to balance time between duty and relationship, work and family, was the number one challenge newlyweds face. Developing rituals—such as bringing her flowers on Friday or always cooking his favorite meal on Sunday—creates a pattern of appreciation in a relationship. These rituals have as much, or possibly more, to do with the awareness it creates in the giver as in the receiver. Developing family rituals also eases stress, especially during times of change, and creates a foundation for security in partners and for their children.

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Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi

Super Conference

New Horizons in Diabetes Care: The Common Bond Between Us

Saturday, January 22nd at the Marriott Hotel Downtown Jackson Cost: $25 for 1, $40 for 2, $10 for Children 12 and under Children with diabetes are Free. Group Discounts Available. Sessions for parents of children with diabetes, Sessions for adults with Type 1 & Type 2, Cooking Demonstrations, Special Activities for Children, Vendors & Exhibits

601.957.7878 | www.msdiabetes.org

Seats Are Limited