V15n20 - The Smith Mistrial

vol. 15 no. 20

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January 18 - 24, 2017 | subscribe free for news and invitations at JFPDaily.com

TARGET: #MSLEG GRAVY TRAIN Dreher, pp 6 - 8

VINYL’S RESURGENCE Smith, p 26

JOSHUA DAVIS: COLORS, CARTOONS Gill, p 28

Smith’s Mistrial What Just Happened?

Summers Jr., pp 16 - 20

Your Metro Events Calendar is at

JFPEVENTS.COM

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHTER AT MC.

2

JACKSONIAN Bilal Qizilbash Imani Khayyam

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wo years ago, Bilal Qizilbash organized R U Hungry, a group that brings dinner to feed those in need at Smith Park every Friday with food from local restaurants such as Aladdin Mediterranean Grill. The group’s name comes from the fact that Qizilbash and other volunteers never ask anyone who comes seeking food about their housing status, instead simply asking them, “Are you hungry?”

Initially, the organization was not a formally recognized nonprofit and received no grants or financing beyond the $150 to $200 per week that Qizilbash himself paid for food. The Internal Revenue Service officially named R U Hungry a charitable nonprofit in June 2016. The nonprofit is called the Draw a Smile Foundation, while R U Hungry remains the name of the weekly event at Smith Park.

“We’re a movement about humanity,” Qizilbash says. “We call folks who come to us guests, and we’re here to connect with them.”

Qizilbash graduated from Stony Brook University in New York in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and then enrolled at Mississippi College, where he received a master’s in medical sciences in 2015. He is currently working on his master’s degree in business

contents

administration at MC as well.

R U Hungry’s Draw a Smile Foundation recently started R U Fed, a program that partners with restaurants to provide meals throughout Jackson. People in need of food can receive a meal whenever the participating restaurants are open with no need to fill out paperwork to participate.

In addition to his work with R U Hungry, Qizilbash has also formed a company called Qizilbash Holdings to find a way to produce kale juice and other products on an industrial scale because of the green’s health benefits that he has observed. He is working with local farmers, Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture to set up largescale kale farms in the state, he says.

In the meantime, Qizilbash continues to focus on doing whatever he can to take care of the needs of Jackson residents.

“When we first started … feeding people at Smith Park, we would get maybe five people on average a week, but now it’s usually about 70 to 100 since more people have started hearing about us,” he says.

“... We’re here to feed people no matter who you are, what your situation is or what faith you might belong to. We aren’t here to judge. We’re not preaching here, just feeding.”

—Dustin Cardon

cover photo of Robert Smith

by Imani Khayyam

6 ............................ Talks 14 ................... editorial 15 ...................... opinion 16 ............ Cover Story 22 ........... food & Drink 24 ......................... 8 Days 25 ........................ Events 25 ....................... sports 26 .......................... music

7 Stopping the Gravy Train

The Mississippi House passed Speaker Philip Gunn’s campaign-finance reform bill last week. But does it go far enough?

22 Food News

Fill your next couple of weeks with foodrelated events in the metro area.

27 ........ music listings 28 ............................ Arts 29 ...................... Puzzles 30 ......................... astro 30 ............... Classifieds

26 Record Resurgence?

“Vinyl is the truest listening experience.”

–Jason Daniels,“LPs and the People Who Press Them”

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

4 ..... PUBLISHER’S Note

courtesy viryl technologies; courtsy estes public relations; Imani Khayyam

January 18 - 24, 2017 | Vol. 15 No. 20

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PUBLISHER’s note

by Todd Stauffer, Publisher

We’ve Already Given Trump ‘A Chance’

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his week marks the inauguration of a new president of the United States. Historically, regardless of the winner, this peaceful transfer brings with it the suggestion that we should “give the new administration a chance.”

This year, unlike any I remember, many of us—polls suggest it’s a majority of Americans—will watch with a new level of trepidation. And we wonder, “What, exactly, should we give Trump a chance to do?”

Trump is coming into power as one of the least popular president-elects ever. His unpopularity right now is unprecedented at 40 percent favorable vs. 54 percent unfavorable in the ABC/Washington Post poll.

By contrast, after a very contentious election, George W. Bush’s favorability was 62 percent. (Obama’s was 79 percent.)

Given Trump’s Twitter behavior, his lack of transparency on his own business interests, his nepotism and the only thing he’s actually done so far—his cabinet picks—it is no wonder he comes into office with historically low support.

Trump’s response, of course, is that the media have rigged the polls—just days after he called out CNN at his press conference as “Fake News.” (This from the GOP’s leading purveyor of fake news—“birtherism”— during much of Obama’s presidency.)

Since the election, Trump has continued with public behavior barely worthy of a 10-year-old who skipped his nap—or a third-world autocrat. And it’s an approach he hasn’t backed away from as the Oval Office looms. So, how much of a “chance” should we continue to give him to attack, lie about, and gaslight anyone who hurts his feelings or critiques his performance?

Meanwhile, even supporters should be able to see that Trump’s “drain the swamp”

cabinet is filled with swamp dwellers—from Goldman-Sachs bankers to oil company CEOs—as well as loonies like Amway heiresses, Fake News generals and anti-vaxxers who bring down the prestige of the cabinet simply by being nominated for it.

Again, I’m left wondering … how long are we supposed to “wait and see”

It’s worth it to remember that the stakes are high. what he does? It’s already a hot mess.

When Ronald Reagan took the oath of office, detractors chaffed at the idea that a former actor would be our president (he was also a two-term governor) and had ridden the veiled racism of Lee Atwater and Haley Barbour’s “southern strategy” to the White House. Supporters saw a man who would lower taxes, rattle sabers and “take the fight” directly to the Soviet Union.

Championed by social and fiscal conservatives when he took office, Reagan’s legacy is mixed at best; the Cold War eventually ended, but his administration was mired in Iran-Contra and engaged in rampant deficit spending driven by out-ofcontrol defense programs.

Reagan’s administration oversaw significant policy changes that feed the income inequality we lament today, a manufactured crisis in public schools and urban centers, a very real savings-and-loan crisis, a Housing and Urban Development scandal (for which Reagan administration officials

were convicted) and a gutting of labor’s ability to demand a middle-class existence for U.S. workers. Banks actively “redlined” minorities out of attractive loans and safe neighborhoods during the Reagan years, exacerbating racial inequity we’re still faced with, despite laws that went unenforced.

When Bill Clinton came to power, some saw a slick-talking, draft-dodging southern governor who had only won a plurality of the vote in a three-way race.

Others welcomed a new age of younger leadership that would focus on economic growth, progressive values and technology.

In the end, many of his supporters were disappointed—the Defense of Marriage Act, welfare reform and the further deregulation of banks increased inequality even more. Clinton’s personal behavior put the country through impeachment. He presided over the continuation of ReaganBush’s War on Drugs, with continued mass incarceration that disproportionately affected African American men and families.

When George W. Bush was inaugurated, many felt he had actually lost the election; he lost the popular vote, and the U.S. Supreme Court halted a critical recount in Florida, ushering him into office.

Celebrated by fiscal conservatives, Bush’s economic policies led to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Between that and invading Iraq over WMD “evidence” stove-piped by his vice president, Bush did many things that conservatives, moderates and liberals all disliked, not the least of which was the economic freefall in housing, savings, banking and jobs that destroyed a great deal of the net worth of the middle and working class.

It’s worth it to remember that the stakes are high. I believe that’s where the

suggestion to “give Trump a chance” comes from. I’m sure it’s well meant, and if this were a typical U.S. transfer of power then I would be forced—grudgingly—to agree.

But today we’re faced with something different. Despite their shortcomings or missteps as presidents, those other men were forthcoming about personal finances, were cognizant of American political norms, and spent more time dialed into national-security interests than they did their own egostroking or the egos of Russia’s leadership.

It is disturbing that Russia hacked this country’s election and has a clear influence on Trump’s inner circle of advisers. But it’s more disconcerting that the president-elect has made so little effort to distance himself from Russian influence or make clear to the American people that he is not beholden to Vladimir Putin in some other way.

Trump has flaunted convention in American politics with a historic failure of transparency on his finances, his utter lack of decorum in the public arena, his willingness to lie about discoverable facts, his ridiculously thin skin—and his short track record of appointing people either ideologically ridiculous or completely unqualified for posts in the White House and cabinet.

I’m left with this—I will certainly watch Mr. Trump very carefully, and this publication will report his actions faithfully—particularly when they coincide with interests of Mississippians or actions by our politicians.

But, as far as I’m concerned, he has already had “a chance”—to disclose his personal interests, to distance himself from our enemies, and to act in a manner becoming of the president of the United States. So far, he hasn’t taken that chance.

Sad.

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

contributors

4

Tim Summers Jr.

Arielle Dreher

Imani Khayyam

Dustin Cardon

Katie Gill

Myron Cathey

Zilpha Young

Kimberly Griffin

City Reporter Tim Summers Jr. enjoys loud live music, teaching his cat to fetch, long city council meetings and FOIA requests. Send him story ideas at tim@jacksonfree press.com and follow him on Twitter at @tims_alive.

News Reporter Arielle Dreher is working on finding some new hobbies and adopting an otter from the Jackson Zoo. Email her story ideas at arielle@jackson freepress.com. She covered the Legislature for this issue.

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

Web Editor Dustin Cardon is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He enjoys reading fantasy novels and wants to write them himself one day. He wrote about Jacksonian Bilal Qizilbash and edits JFPDaily.com.

Katie Gill is a University of Mississippi graduate and freelance arts and music reporter. When she isn’t writing, she can be found knitting, re-tweeting pictures of dogs and yelling at Food Network cooking competitions. She wrote about artist Joshua Davis.

Sales and Marketing Consultant Myron Cathey is from Senatobia. He is a graduate of Jackson State University and enjoys traveling, music and spending time with family and friends.

Zilpha Young is an ad designer by day, painter, illustrator, seamstress and freelance designer by night. Check out her design portfolio at zilpha creates.com. She designed ads for the issue.

Advertising Director Kimberly Griffin is a fitness buff and foodie who loves chocolate and her mama. She’s also Michelle Obama’s super secret BFF, which explains the Secret Service detail—at least for a few more days.

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January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

FITNESS CLUB

5

“We ought to put that definition in there, so we know we’re in violation without having to refer to the Ethics Commission.”

— Rep. Willie Perkins, D-Greenwood, questioning Rep. Jason White, R-West, on the vagueness in the campaign-finance bill

Wednesday, January 11

A judge sets a court hearing date for Andrew McClinton, a Mississippi man charged in the burning of the black church he attended that was spraypainted with “Vote Trump.”

Friday, January 13

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood calls on the Legislature to increase funding for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health this session. … Attorney Carlos Moore says he will represent the family of Charles McDonald—a black teenager who Wayne Winstead Parish fatally shot outside Performance Oil in Jackson because he believed he was attempting to break into a car.

Saturday, January 14

Donald Trump calls the European Union obsolete in an interview and says he believes more countries will leave the organization in the future.

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

Sunday, January 15

Thousands of people gather in Warren, Mich., to hear Sen. Bernie Sanders denounce GOP efforts to repeal President Obama’s health-care law.

6

Monday, January 16

Gov. Phil Bryant selects Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, and Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, to represent the Legislature at Donald Trump’s inauguration. … Bernice King, daughter of civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., encourages Americans to fight for her father’s vision of love and justice “no matter who is in the White House.”

Tuesday, January 17

EdBuild releases its 80-page recommendations report to Mississippi lawmakers, suggesting the state move to a weighted, student-centered schoolfunding formula.

Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

More Budget Cuts Hittng State Services

by Arielle Dreher

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he “efficiencies” buzzword rang across the Mississippi Capitol last summer as lawmakers met the people who provide services from maintaining the state’s roads to administering the state’s federal child-care funds to look for extra dollars to help stabilize the State of Mississippi’s budget and supplement its slowing revenue growth.

In November, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, announced efficiencies due to new vehicle moratorium and cutting out-of-state travel they found in agency budgets, and they proposed a state budget for fiscal-year 2018 valued at $195 million less than the fiscal-year 2017 budget.

But the next fiscal year does not start until July, and agencies are strapped for cash now, with Gov. Phil Bryant cutting most of their budgets by almost 1.5 percent late last week. It was the second cut in fiscal-year 2017, bringing the reduction to 3 percent from the governor alone. Several agencies took budget cuts once already this fiscal year, back in September due to an “error.”

What does this mean for state services going forward? It is impossible to tell now, but if revenue does not pick up, the agencies likely face layoffs, weakening their efforts to provide services to Mississippians.

John Davis is the executive director of the Department of Human Services, which recently split from the state’s newly formed

courtesy mDhs

Thursday, January 12

Gov. Phil Bryant announces he is cutting another $51 million from the $6.4 billion budget because State revenues are lagging. … U.S. Senate approves a budget that eases the way for repeal legislation for the Affordable Care Act as soon as next month.

The trial of the president of Downtown Jackson Partners begins Jan. 30 p 10

John Davis, the executive director of MDHS, told lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee that he would not have to cut any of his employees if the Legislature gave his agency as much funding as last year; recommendations from the governor and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee could mean cuts for the agency.

Department of Child Protection Services, which administers Mississippi’s foster-care system, due to a court settlement agreement. He told the House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 11 that he was requesting the same budget he was allocated last year. Even after MDHS took a $13-million to $14-million cut last year, Davis told the committee that he did not have to lay off staff to manage. The future, however, looks

less promising, and while Davis remains optimistic, the numbers look bleak.

MDHS privatized its child-support program, and so far, Davis said that has led to cost savings because the State is spending less, and collections are up. The program was privatized in October, however, so Davis said his agency will continue to address changes and monitor the program’s progress. MDHS also administers

The Inaugural

In and Out

by JFP Staff In honor of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, we came up with a list of ins and outs for your consumption.

In: Bullying companies on Twitter to add some new jobs.

Out: Presiding over the creation of millions of new jobs In: “Sad.” Out: Hope

In: Russia Out: EU

In: Showers Out: Baths

In: Toby Keith Out: Beyoncé

In: Marches Out: Anger translators

In: Kompromat Out: A Free Press

In: Orange Out: Black

In: Late-night tweets Out: Making a lick of sense In: Toupees Out: Pantsuits In: Health-care anxiety Out: Pre-existing coverage

“There will be school districts that receive more; there will be school districts that receive less.”

— EdBuild CEO Rebecca Sibilia on recommendations EdBuild gave to change the school’s funding formula

“The new proposal this year essentially gives Governor Bryant and his appointee the power to choose where to spend this money in the City of Jackson, and I don’t really have a problem with that.”

— Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, on the new iteration of the Capital Complex bill he has filed this session

Enough Teeth in the Campaign-finance Bill?

By Arielle Dreher

L

‘Is Leaner Better?’

MDHS requested a little over $60 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which would allow the agency to maintain its current staffing levels. Both the Legislature’s budget committee and the governor’s recommended funding levels for the agency at

$54 million and $58 million, respectively, both mean RIFs or reduction-in-force for the agency, a handout to lawmakers from MDHS shows. The agency presented data to House members at a Jan. 11 committee meeting showing they would have to lay off at least 50 employees even if the Legislature appropriated the $58 million that Gov. Bryant proposed for MDHS. Plus, required technology projects to help streamline data amongst MDHS programs that the agency needs would be in jeopardy.

MDHS went through an independent IRS audit, Davis said Jan. 11, and the whole agency needs an IT overhaul with a price tag of $100 million.

“We can’t as a state afford that $100 million for a new system, but we can afford the $10 million it would require over a period of time to upgrade the system to the point where we feel like we’re confident

in the information being protected,” Davis told the committee.

About 80,000 Mississippians have rolled off SNAP rolls, which provides food stamps and a safety net for needy families, in the past year, saving MDHS $10 million to 11 million. Some House members questioned just how much leaner Davis’ agency could get; it not only administers SNAP benefits but also runs the State’s child-care subsidy block grant, child-support enforcement, state-run juvenile detention services and adult protection services.

“It seems like to me that the system may be more stretched than it has been in my political career,” longtime lawmaker Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, told Davis at the Jan. 11 meeting. “Because you are an important service to people … is leaner better for you?”

Davis said he could find more effi-

ciencies in his department but also pointed to other State agencies that were drawing down funds to help some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

“When I say ‘leaner,’ it’s not just about finding efficiencies. It’s how I braid services with other agencies who have them available,” Davis said.

Davis said the State could look to maximize federal early-childhood funds that come down through MDHS as well as through the Mississippi Department of Education.

But the governor only exempted the Mississippi Adequate Education Program from his latest budget cut—not all of MDE’s budget, so the early childhood funds could be cut, too.

more CUTS, see page 8

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance and food for Mississippians in need who qualify. While those programs are run primarily with federal funds, some personnel who administer those benefits and work for MDHS are paid with State funds. MDHS also administers the child care development block grant and Oakley Youth Development Center, where young people who commit felonies go with a judge’s order.

Imani Khayyam

fice, or performing the functions and duawmakers would no longer be able ties of public office.” to use campaign finances to pay for The proposed law specifically forpersonal cars, new suits, health clubs bids paying for residential or household or slush funds once they leave office items unless the residence is in Jackson, if House Speaker Philip Gunn’s House Bill the “seat of government”; mortgages on 479 survives the Senate and becomes law. non-residential properties like campaign

On Jan. 11, the Mississippi House offices; funeral services within lawmakers’ of Representatives voted 104-12 in favor families; clothing; automobiles; tuition of Gunn’s almost 30-page bill that atpayments; country- or health-club dues; tempts to define what lawmakers can and salary payments to family members; and cannot spend their campaign money on. non-documented loans and travel. Most Lawmakers greeted the proposed legislaof these line items contain a caveat in the tion with some skepticism and scrutiny of bill: “unless related to the gaining or holdsome parts that seemed vague. ing public office, or performing the func The bill makes spending campaigntions and duties of public office.” finance funds on “personal use” items a Some House members expressed conmisdemeanor that comes with a $1,000 cern over the lack of definitions in the bill. fine, but the bill does not designate an Rep. Willie Perkins, D-Greenwood, (with microphone) pressed Rep. Jason Rep. Willie Perkins, D-Greenwood, asked authority to collect that specific penalty.

White, R-West, on why certain things in House Speaker Philip Gunn’s White why it did not define “family memLater in the proposed language, the Miscampaign-finance reform bill were not defined clearly in debate on Jan. 11; the bill passed the House that day after an hour-long debate. ber,” a phrase that appears several times in sissippi Ethics Commission is designated to impose administrative penalties and the proposed bill.

“We ought to put that definition in fines against political committees that fail White, R-West, took it up that afternoon. White told the to comply with new reporting requirements, including a House that it was nearly impossible to nail down every sce- there, so we know we’re in violation without having to refer to the Ethics Commission,” Perkins said to White. new 48-hour reporting window and lawmakers and com- nario of campaign finance during the hour-long debate.

White said a member should know who his family mittees who fail to file their reports on time.

HB 479 prohibits “personal use” expenditures of cam-

Gunn’s proposal came out of the House Rules Com- paign-finance money, which is defined as “any use, other mittee early last Wednesday, and Chairman Rep. Jason than expenditures related to gaining or holding public ofmore CAMPAIGN, see page 8

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TALK | state

8

Compliance Means Money

David Chandler, the commissioner of the Department of Child Protection Services, told House lawmakers that the State will spend $1 million less in legal fees in 2017 due to a new settlement agreement with organizations that sued the state several years ago on behalf of Mississippi’s failing foster-care system.

The new child-protection agency hired more than 400 new employees, mainly social workers, in 2016 to help bring down the caseload for the average social worker, which at one point was close to 50. But, the number of foster children increased in 2016.

“When I took over, we had about 5,000 children in our custody, and now we have almost 6,000. So as our employee numbers grow, our children population is growing as well, but that’s not static,” Chandler told the House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 11.

The child-protection department requested more money for fiscal-year 2018 after the agency escaped cuts to their fiscal-year 2017 budget and managed to steer clear of Gov. Bryant’s first cut after legislative staff made a $50million mistake. In Gov. Bryant’s cut last week, however, Chandler’s agency was not exempt. The department projects an increase in needed funding to comply with the new settlement agreement— about $6.7 million needed for foster care maintenance payments. “It is vital to MDCPS to maintain it current level of funding and the 1.5 percent increase in General Funds,” a handout to the House Appropriations Committee says.

The governor exempted MAEP, the military, the Veterans Administration board, parts of the Department of Public Safety, most of the state’s court system, financial aid, and the Schools for the Blind & Deaf from his latest cut. Bryant diverted $4.06 million from the State’s rainy-day fund to fill the budget hole. He attributes the cuts to slow revenue collections that do not meet state estimates.

“I am hopeful (the cut and rainyday fund transfer) … will be enough ... however, additional cuts or transfers from our rainy day fund may be required later,” Bryant’s Jan. 12 letter to the State’s fiscal officer says.

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

CAMPAIGN

Imani Khayyam

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

CUTS from page 7

Any Teeth?

Rep. Randy Rushing, R-Decatur, was one of the 12 no-votes on the bill, and he said his vote was more on principle. Rushing said he felt like dealing with campaign finance should have included from page 7 things that lawmakers do not have to report like gifts made outside of campaign donations. members are, and when pressed further said, “We’re simply trying “Our whole purpose of transforming that was to help either to cover as many scenarios as we can.” prevent corruption or reduce corruption, and we didn’t get into the gift-giving side of the House, there’s still no avenue to report gifts, No More Slush Funds like free trips and that kind of thing,” Rushing told the Jackson Free

HB 479 effectively eliminates slush funds on its surface, pre- Press this week. venting lawmakers from cashing out their committee accounts and Rushing said he has nothing to hide and plays by the rules pocketing the money when they leave public office. The legislation with his campaign finances. He says what he calls “the gift-giving does include a long list of ways lawmakers can dispense of their area,” which is not regulated, is the more vulnerable area for atcampaign-finance accounts, tempted corruption. however. They can maintain “I don’t think we got into their funds in a campaign acthe area where the true corcount; donate it to a political ruption is attempted, I’m organization, political action not saying there is any, but committee or another candito me the gift-giving area is date; transfer it to a new PAC a more vulnerable area than the donation area,” he said. or ballot advocate question; “The donation area is already donate it to a 501(c)(3) or the recorded at the secretary of state; or return the funds to state’s office, that’s already a donors. transparent process.”

Rep. Jay Hughes, D Rep. Perkins, who quesOxford, asked White if they should add a provision to tioned White about more make sure candidates cannot specific definitions in the bill, donate their campaign-finance also voted against it. Overall, accounts to a PAC that could a mix of Democrats and Return around and give them the publicans voted against HB money back. Hughes ended 479, five lawmakers were abHouse Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, made good on his up offering an amendment sent or chose not to vote, and promise to bring out a campaign-finance bill in the 2017 legislative session. It passed with a majority of the votes. that did not address that quesone lawmaker voted present. tion but instead would make House Bill 479 gives the the bill go into effect immediMississippi Ethics Comately, but it failed on a voiced vote. mission the authority to issue advisory opinions regarding any of

The effective date on the bill as it is now is Jan.1, 2018. White the proposed law’s requirements. Candidates can request opinions said this would give all public officials enough time to comply with from the commission and not be held liable as long as he or she the new rules, which apply to not only state lawmakers and those follows the opinion’s direction “in good faith.” who run for public office in the state but also for local and county Tom Hood, the executive director of the Mississippi Ethics elections.

Commission, said he was not aware that the bill would name his

The current iteration of the bill gives candidates in local and agency or designate it to write opinions. Hood told the Jackson county elections the option to file campaign-finance reports direct- Free Press last week that his initial reaction is that his agency will ly with the Mississippi secretary of state’s office instead of to their likely need additional services to provide the opinions. county or municipal clerk, which they do currently. The bill would “I’m sure we’ll be able to handle it appropriately, like we have not affect the upcoming mayoral election in Jackson either way. all the other responsibilities that have been given to us,” Hood said.

Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, clarified that the bill still “I hope the end-product legislation is something that works.” allows lawmakers to loan their own campaign or other campaigns Other states’ ethics commissions handle campaign-finance ismoney as long as it is a documented loan. sues, Hood says, but his six-person staff is already struggling with a

“Wouldn’t we rather say that would not be an appropriate ex- limited budget. After the governor cut most state agencies’ budgets penditure of your campaign funds?” Baria asked. (again) late last week, Hood says he expects to ask for more funds

White reminded Baria that lawmakers should use these funds in order to comply with the new law. only “for holding or furthering of political office,” but he commit- “Over the past (several) years, we’ve tripled our workload and ted to work on that provision in the bill. cut our staff by 25 percent and our budget, so we’re big on effi After HB 479 passed, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said he supported ciency, but at some point you just run out of resources,” he said. the reforms.

Hood will present his budget request to appropriation sub “I’m encouraged by today’s action by the House of Representa- committees at the Capitol this week. tives, and I appreciate Speaker Gunn’s leadership on this issue,” Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said in a press release. “The Senate passed strong Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at aricampaign-finance reform last year, and I’m hopeful that today’s ac- elle@jacksonfreepress.com. For more state news visit tion improves the likelihood that a legislative compromise can be jfp.ms/state and see jfp.ms/lobbyists for a series about reached during this session.” money and state legislators.

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January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

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9

TALK | city

DA Puts Ben Allen on Trial Jan. 30

by Tim Summers Jr.

The Charges

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith doesn’t see it that way.

10

He put the case before a Hinds County grand jury, which indicted the former Jackson councilman in February 2016 of 10 counts. Eight of the charges are for violating Mississippi Code 97-11-25, a special law governing embezzlement by public officials. Downtown Jackson Partners, a business improvement district, draws on taxes from businesses within its footprint.

The ninth count is for allegedly defrauding DJP of $65,754.24 to use for a

alleges that from September 2010 to January 2014, Allen used $1,738.37 to pay off a cell-phone bill for his wife and himself.

Downtown Jackson Partners also allegedly footed the bill for $6,620.97 of Allen’s AAA Financial Credit Card bill from November 2009 to May 2011. Count six raises the amount up to $38,372.99, alleging that Allen used DJP funds to cover his personal Capital One credit-card bill from August 2010 to July 2014.

Trip Burns/File Photo

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

T

he trial of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen, who faces 10 counts, including embezzling a 1989 Chevy truck and tens of thousands of dollars from the business improvement district, is set to begin Jan. 30. The trial moves ahead even as Allen’s attorneys say the case against him is “defective as a matter of law” based on their reading of an investigative report by State Auditor Stacey Pickering’s office and other evidence the defense has compiled.

“Evidence developed during this investigation shows that Ben Allen,” the auditor’s report states, “improperly transferred ownership of a 1989 Chevrolet vehicle from Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP) to his personal ownership. DJP still incurred the cost of repairs, tag registration, and insurance premiums after Ben Allen transferred ownership. In addition to the transfer of the Chevrolet vehicle (sic).”

However, Allen’s attorney, Merrida Coxwell, wrote in a November motion that the auditor’s report actually supports Allen’s innocence, emphasizing that the Office of the State Auditor, or OSA, found the funds Allen used were private. “It is clear from (the report) that the OSA never concluded that a crime occurred, that Mr. Allen committed a crime, or that these funds were public funds,” the Nov. 28 motion states.

Coxwell’s motion quotes an OSA investigator writing in the report that “Mr. Allen may have illegally obtained things outside the scope of his employment ....”

The auditor’s report pointed to a complaint “that Ben Allen was misusing DJP’s funds and illegally in possession of DJP’s vehicle.”

The motion argues that Allen’s “disgruntled” executive assistant, Linda Brune, made those claims, and that the auditor’s office never checked with the DJP board to see if Allen was acting within the scope of his employment, which the board maintains.

In addition, the auditor “never looked into the DJP’s I.R.S. recognition as a 503(c)(4), not a typical nonprofit,” Coxwell wrote.

Even though the auditor’s report does not outright exonerate Allen, Coxwell says it proves that he did not commit criminal activity and that Downtown Jackson Partners fully support him.

“If there is no victim, there is no crime,” the motion concluded.

Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen says he is innocent of accusations his former assistant and the Hinds County district attorney are pushing against him. He also accuses her of stealing money before he fired her.

business-incubator program, supposedly one of the organization’s projects.

The last count alleges that Allen violated Mississippi Code 97-13-15, which prohibits any corporation from giving or donating an excess of $1,000 per year to a political campaign or candidate.

The indictment accuses Allen, while serving as president of DJP, of donating approximately $86,000 to Mayor Tony Yarber’s inaugural campaign gala fund from April 16 to June 21, 2014.

The eight counts of embezzlement vary both in the amount and type. For instance, the first count states that Allen took possession of a 1989 Chevrolet pickup valued at $3,500 in March 2010 and never returned it. The second count accuses Allen of spending $2,724.76 for repairs to the same truck from March 2010 to December 2012, and the third alleges that Allen spent $1,810.21 of DJP funds from September 2010 to January 2014 for the truck’s insurance coverage. Counts four through six allege that Allen spent various amounts from DJP funds to cover his and his wife’s creditcard debt and phone bills. The fourth count

Coxwell’s Nov. 28, 2016, motion contained 100-plus pages of evidence he says proves that the Hinds County district attorney’s office has no claim to charge Allen.

“The ten (10) counts in the Indictment charged against Mr. Allen are defective as a matter of law. The Court should dismiss the counts against Mr. Allen,” Coxwell’s motion states.

“If the prosecutor feels the Court is wrong, then he can appeal the dismissal to the Mississippi Supreme Court. Otherwise, the law and evidence are clear that Downtown Jackson Partners manages private money coming from assessments. It is not public money. In these types of matters, doubts should always be resolved in favor of the accused.”

The History

The controversy started in March 20, 2014, when the State Auditor’s Office received a complaint from Linda Brune, Allen’s long-time executive assistant, accusing her boss of embezzling resources from the DJP for years. She registered with the OSA as an official whistleblower, and the audi-

tor’s office began an investigation, eventually writing a report with its findings.

In August 2014, only a few weeks after a Clarion-Ledger article raised questions about the DJP’s and Allen’s “accounting practices,” the organization reported to Jackson Police Department and Trustmark Bank that Brune had allegedly forged more than $40,000 in checks from DJP.

The DJP, in turn, filed a lawsuit against Brune on Dec. 10, 2014, accusing her of forging Allen’s signature on 38 checks for a total amount of $40,439.43 that she allegedly into her personal bank account.

DJP further accuses her of fabricating monthly bank-statement pages to show the checks as paid to regular vendors of the organization. Brune is currently in civil court in Madison for the charges.

In a court filing, Brune’s attorney called those accusations “frivolous.”

“Any funds taken from the DJP or Marketing Center Accounts were delivered directly to Mr. Allen to enable him to circumvent the maximum amount of funds which he was allowed to sign for,” it stated.

“This entire scenario was manifested when Mr. Allen learned that I had cooperated with the State Auditors Office in their investigation of him and his misuse of DJP funds,” the Brune response stated.

The auditor’s report against DJP interested DA Smith, who brought the case before the grand jury on Feb. 26, 2016, indicting Allen on the current charges.

Coxwell’s motion recounts that Smith could not get the report from OSA investigators, who argued it was a part of an ongoing investigation. On Feb. 26, 2016, Smith indicted two of the investigators for hindering prosecution, charging that the state auditor was intentionally hiding the report.

This is the exact same charge, for violating Mississippi Code 97-9-105, Smith himself faced during his recent two-and-ahalf-week-long trial, which ended in a mistrial, and is scheduled to start up in June.

Brune attended most days of the Smith trial, listening and taking notes from the galleries. When a reporter asked her if the reason for her attendance was related to the criminal charges against Allen, she said she was simply “interested” and refused the opportunity to make further comment.

Smith’s and Allen’s cases have another person in common as well: When Allen resigned from the Ward 1 city council seat in 2007, Jeff Weill successfully ran for the seat in 2007, and Allen was his finance

TALK | city for nearly all of the credit-card charges since many were reoccurring monthly marketing charges, office supply charges, conference charges and dues-related charges.”

Gibbs said the corporation possesses validation for every credit-card charge and that all charges are business related or that Allen properly reimbursed the corporation for non-business charges. “Based on my investigation, I cannot find any evidence where Mr. Ben Allen stole or converted money to his own use,” he wrote.

Mayor Yarber’s Gala

As to the allegations, counts seven and 10, that Allen misappropriated DJP money for Mayor Tony Yarber’s Inaugural Gala, Gibbs rejects that Yarber was a candidate at the time and that the funds violated campaign laws that limit the amount a corporation or its representatives can donate to political candidates.

The memo states that “an ad hoc group of the mayor’s supporters” requested in 2014 that the DJP serve as a “clearinghouse for donations” for the incoming mayor’s gala. In this way, Allen—with the permission of DJP’s accounting firm and Gibbs himself—passed contributions totaling $86,000 to the Inaugural Committee, “whenever the committee submitted invoices to pay for expenses before, during and immediately after the event.”

Gibbs argued to the board that because DJP is a private nonprofit, it is not hamstrung by campaign-finance law limits to donations, and that Yarber, at the time the monies were transferred, was no longer a candidate.

Count eight alleges that Allen, in his capacity as DJP president, handed out sponsorships and grants from the organization.

Gibbs’ memo states that “the indictment alleges Mr. Allen converted these monies to his own use, and this is categorically wrong.” Instead, the memo states, DJP staff would review requests to “determine if the project meets standards of relevance, and if so, how much to fund the project.”

Gibbs also refutes count nine of the indictment, that Allen allegedly defrauded a special DJP project called the venture business incubator.

“The indictment alleges Mr. Allen misrepresented or falsified something to DJP in regards to this count. This allegation makes no sense whatsoever. The incubator was fully vetted, considered and voted on by the Board,” Gibbs wrote.

The trial for Ben Allen is set for Jan. 30 in the Hinds County Courthouse in downtown Jackson.

Read more at jfp.ms/DAFiles.

11 January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

Imani Khayyam

director. Later, Weill ran for the judicial len’s actions. The 24-page document, dated Transferring the ownership to Gomez, the seat—Allen donated $1,000 to his judicial May 13, 2016 and including Gibbs’ full memo states, saved DJP around $1,600 in campaign—and the judge is now one of memo, the board outlines objections to premium costs.

Smith’s targets in his effort to free Christo- the accusations first stated in the auditor’s Later, the memo states, the truck was pher Butler on drug charges. report, which eventually ended with the transferred over to Allen, “as Mr. Allen

Smith also mentioned the Allen case in grand-jury indictment. carried a larger comprehensive insurance text messages between himself program ($1,000,000 umbrella) and a Clarion-Ledger reporter, than Mr. John Gomez.” So in Anna Wolfe, who wanted him March 2010, the truck, used to talk about “Tony Yarber’s mostly for landscaping work white support (Leland speed, since 2007, the memo states, NE Jackson etc) for a story.” was transferred over to Allen.

“If you want an African Gibbs stated that the manager American perspective of the of the company that had taken ‘machine’ then you can read over landscaping duties, Block some old articles from Jackson

by Block, arranged for repairs to advocate (sic). He talks about the truck and asked Allen for audowntown partners, Ben Allen, thorization each time. etc. monopolizing and strong

“It was understood that arming politics, therefore leavthe truck belonged to DJP, and ing the citizens in dire straits,” the transfer was not done for the Smith texted Wolfe back on purpose of stealing or converting May 26, 2016. the truck to Mr. Allen. It is clear

The Jackson Advocate is a from my investigation,” Gibbs local black newspaper that was wrote, “that Mr. Allen had no fia strong critic of Allen when he nancial benefit or interest in obwas on the city council. taining title to the truck, rather Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith he took a significant liability to (right) indicted Ben Allen, as well as two state auditor investigators because they wouldn’t give him their DJP Internal Report save DJP money.” report on Allen—ironically for violating the same state

After the grand jury inlaw the attorney general says Smith broke when trying dicted Allen in February 2016, Cell Phones, Credit Cards to help Christopher Butler. the DJP board and its attorney,

Gibbs’ memo also refutes former Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Gibbs’ memo addresses first the counts count four of the indictment, which alleged Robert Gibbs, launched its own investiga- in Allen’s indictment that involve the 1988 that Allen took money from DJP to pay tion. Gibbs submitted his findings to the (not 1989 like in the indictment) Chevrolet personal cell-phone accounts, specifically board in a May 17, 2016, report, which Al- pickup truck that DJP purchased in 2007 that of his wife, Susie Allen. Gibbs wrote len’s defense counsel included in a June 23, from Earl Smith, a supervisor with the that Allen regularly paid back the money 2016, motion to dismiss all charges. company Wackenhut which at that time he owed DJP for the lumped-together ac “I have concluded,” Gibbs wrote, handled their landscaping, for $3,500. DJP counts, which also sometimes included the “that based on this evidence and the rel- transferred ownership of the truck to Allen phone of Block by Block manager Bobby evant law, the charges in the Indictment are that same year, shortly after he began his Viverette, Linda Brune and another indiwithout merit, and I recommend the Board tenure as DJP president, the memo said. vidual, named Emily Damiens, in addition adopt this resolution. The Board and the After the organization received a to Allen’s wife’s phone. The memo said AlExecutive Committee have properly exer- $2,000 Travelers insurance bill for the len paid DJP back: “This was always done, cised governance over Downtown Jackson truck, the memo states, Allen approached and none of the money alleged in the inPartners. There are no instances in the the executive committee of DJP, which then dictment was converted by Mr. Allen.”

Indictment where Mr. Allen has stolen or included Mike Peters, Ted Duckworth, “DJP did not have a credit card for converted DJP funds for his own benefit. David Watkins, Sylvia Stewart and Hilda many years,” the memo says in response In fact, Mr. Allen has acted in compliance Owen. This group decided to allow the to the indictment’s claims that Allen repaid with the Bylaws, DJP policy and following title to transfer to Associate Director John credit-cards with DJP funds. “It was always the directives of our approved budget.”

Gomez, who would pay for the insurance incumbent on Mr. Allen to make charges or

The board approved a resolution in of the truck, a move they began in February purchase on his personal cards and to turn response to Gibbs’ report, supporting Al- 2009 that continued through early 2010. in a receipt explaining the expenditure.”

It was the task of staff to go through the credit-card statements to code each Most viral stories at jfp.ms: Most viral events at expenditure for accounting, Gibbs wrote.

1. “Biloxi Mayor Says City Must Change “Great jfpevents.com: Gibbs said that Allen and Gomez went American’s Day” in Ordinance to MLK Day” by 1. “Bulldogs on Broadway,” Jan. 16 back through the expenditure records in Donna Ladd 2. MSO Chamber II: Mozart by Candlelight, Jan. 14 2. “Natchez Publisher Promotes To-the-death ‘Roresponse to the indictment and that “there 3. The State of Our State: Mississippi at 200 Years, deo’ for Black Youth, Age 13+” by Donna Ladd Jan. 17 were a significant number of missing (sto3. “Broadening the Tent: Lumumba Vows to Gain, 4. Museum After Hours – Moonlighting, Jan. 19 len) backup receipts for the credit card.”

Give Respect as Mayor” by Tim Summers Jr. 5. Traxxas Monster Truck Destruction Tour, Jan. 20 4. “Lady Cajun” by Micah Smith

“With a significant amount of effort, Find more events at jfpevents.com.

5. “The Truth About Snakes” by Lori Gregory the staff has been able to recover receipts

Love & Revolution

F

or the Fongs, the last two weeks in December are about family, friends, fun, food and movies. Over that time, we saw “Loving,” the story of Richard and Mildred Loving’s landmark civil-rights case that struck down anti-miscegenation laws in 1967. Richard, of Scotch-Irish descent, and Mildred, of African American and Cherokee descent, were married in Washington, D.C., in 1958.

Upon returning to their hometown of Central Point, Va., they were arrested, jailed and tried because interracial marriage was illegal in Virginia.

In fact, interracial marriage had been illegal in 40 states throughout the history of the United States. California did not repeal the law until 1948, and while the Loving case repealed anti-miscegenation laws nationwide in 1967, the state of Alabama did not overturn this law until 2000.

Likewise, the U.S. Supreme Court did not overturn similar sodomy laws until 2003 in Lawrence v. Texas. These laws deemed sexual acts between persons of the same sex a felony. Beyond that, LGBT persons were routinely discriminated against, harassed and punished even if these acts were implied. All 50 states had sodomy laws in place until the 1970s. Samesex marriage was legalized in 2015.

When viewed from this context, 11 of my 16 family members, all U.S. citizens, would not have been recognized or protected by their own government. Seven of us—Dennis, Paula, Ryan, Eric, Rafael, Greg and I— would have been considered felons just for who we chose to love. Because of laws against mixing races, Ryan, Aubrey, Anthony and Michela would have been, in the words of Trevor Noah, “born a crime.” Rafael and Santiago wouldn’t even be in the picture because, as a gay man, I would not have been able to adopt them. Imagine how different our family photo would look if these laws were still in place.

Rhetoric about making America “great” again has invoked a return to elements of these discriminatory policies. For my family, this type of “greatness” constitutes a threat. And I would offer that a threat against one family is a threat against every family.

The new president will have the support of Congress and at least 25 of the Republican-controlled states. In addition, he will have the opportunity to appoint up to 100 federal judgeships. Will rolling back to the “greatness” of exclusion and discrimination make us stronger?

In Queen Elizabeth’s annual Christmas address, her majesty said, “I often draw strength from ordinary people doing extraordinary things— volunteers, caregivers, community organizers and good neighbors. Unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special. ... On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice. But the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.”

In this spirit, I launched “Love & Revolution,” a Facebook page that features and invites stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to make the world a kinder, more loving place.

There is Shamayim Harris, who turned her blighted Detroit neighborhood into a solar-powered ecovillage. In Chapel Hill, N.C., Vimala Rajendran provided dinner for hundreds of Syrian refugees at her café to build community and plan for their future. And Justin Normand from Irving, Texas, stood outside a local mosque with a handwritten sign that read, “You belong. Stay Strong. Be Blessed. We are one America.”

Peace and prosperity cannot be attained by brute force and meanspirited policies, but through, as the queen said, the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness. I invite you to join Love & Revolution, to both witness and share stories of how we are changing the world with the most powerful force of all.

12 Visit Kevin Fong’s website at elementalpartners.net.

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

“We are one America.”

It’s Math, Governor. Tax Cuts Hurt Revenue.

O

ne of the key elements missing in discussions of Gov. Phil Bryant’s recent budget cuts, the second wave of cuts in the State’s current fiscal year, is the 40-plus tax cuts since he became governor.

Bryant brags on tax cuts regularly and believes they lead to economic-development projects that bring more jobs to Mississippians.

Last week, the governor announced his second round of budget cuts to fiscal-year 2017’s budget, totaling $55 million. He pulled $4 million from the state’s rainy day fund in addition to an approximate 1.5-percent cut for all state agencies, save student financial aid, MAEP, veterans’ affairs and certain sectors of the state’s public-safety department.

For now, most agencies are probably able to sustain staffing levels and continue at their usual pace, but for next year’s budget, this is unlikely, especially because the Taxpayer Pay Raise Act will start to hit the state’s budget in July. Both Senate and House Appropriations Committees have been meeting with state agencies this week and last week so that state agencies can make their cases for appropriations at or above last year’s levels. Budget recommendations from the governor and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee show that lawmakers are expecting to cut most state agency budgets even further in the 2017 legislative session.

An Associated Press analysis found that 43 bills decreased tax revenue between 2012 and 2015, and estimates from the Department of Revenue show that the State lost as much as $287 million due to those cuts. The Taxpayer Pay Raise act will divert an additional $415 million in the next decade, adding to the pile of diverted revenue from earlier tax cuts.

Top Republicans expectantly refuse to acknowledge that tax cuts have anything to do with slow revenue in the state. Gov. Bryant blamed revenue collections not meeting the State’s estimates. Earlier this month, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves told the Stennis Capitol Press Forum that revenue projections made in 2015 were wrong and still affect projections today.

The reality is that agencies wouldn’t have to deal with the cuts they are dealing with today if even a quarter of those tax cuts from 2012-2015 weren’t implemented. The future looks grim, however, with looming cuts ahead, and it’s time for the state’s top leaders to acknowledge that at least right now, tax cuts have not helped the state’s economy enough to make up for the cost of revenue loss.

The mission of “efficiency” and “deciding what government should pay for” must not be at the expense of Mississippians, especially those who need government agencies for employment or assistance so they can become tax-paying citizens.

CORRECTION: In the January 11-17 issue cover story “Broadening the Tent: Lumumba Vows to Gain, Give Respect as Mayor,” reporter Tim Summers Jr. wrote that Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s brother was shot and killed in Jackson. That was incorrect. He was shot and paralyzed and is still alive. We regret and apologize for the error.

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

Funmi “Queen” Franklin

EDITORIAL Assistant Editor Amber Helsel Reporters Arielle Dreher,Tim Summers Jr. JFP Daily Editor Dustin Cardon Music Editor Micah Smith Events Listings Editor Tyler Edwards Writers Richard Coupe, Bryan Flynn, Shelby Scott Harris, Sierra Mannie, Mike McDonald, Greg Pigott, Julie Skipper Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Art Director Kristin Brenemen Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Staff Photographer Imani Khayyam ADVERTISING SALES Sales and Marketing Consultants Myron Cathey, Roberta Wilkerson Sales Assistant Mary Osborne BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Richard Laswell Distribution Raymond Carmeans, Clint Dear, Michael McDonald, Ruby Parks Assistant to the CEO Inga-Lill Sjostrom Operations Consultant David Joseph ONLINE Web Editor Dustin Cardon Web Designer Montroe Headd CONTACT US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Fashion style@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial (601) 362-6121 Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com

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The Jackson Free Press welcomes thoughtful opinions. The views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2017 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved

Obama’s Legacy of Hope

O

n Oct. 8, 2008, I penned a column for this paper, “A New Underground Railroad,” giving my initial thoughts of life under President Barack Obama’s leadership. “We shall stand together and announce that we will not fall over and let this journey beat us any longer. We will pick up our brothers who falter along the way. We will encourage each other and remind ourselves of the importance of pressing forward. Barack Obama shall navigate our path along the new Underground Railroad, guiding us to a new nation,” I wrote.

Before that year, it was clear to me that I was living in a country that didn’t belong to me. I was merely a guest. Laws were not created to protect me. I saw people who looked at me and thought I was beneath them because I didn’t look like them. Also, I knew that because of my gender, I knew that many other folk above me would always be chosen first, given better opportunities, and would not have to work as hard as me or others like me. Then, Barack Obama was elected president.

Suddenly, I felt hopeful. Not just because a black man was in the Oval Office, although that was a big part of it. But mostly because this place that I’d existed in suddenly started to look like a place where I might actually mean something. If the world could respect him, maybe they could respect my brothers, my husband, my son.

Maybe this place could finally see me and respect me as a person.

Here we are now at the end of his tenure and are left to bask in the great things Obama accomplished. He faced naysayers with quick wit and smiles and stood before us time and time again, owning his failures and offering a plan to resolve and excel.

His faith in us, the American family, never wavered. The hope he claimed in 2008 remained even to his farewell address. He championed an America where we could all exist in harmony.

During his farewell address, a now gray-haired POTUS ruled the room, the airwaves and the Internet with as much spirit as he did at his first presidential address. He inspired those whose fire may have been dimmed by fear. He motivated those who continue to fight in their hometowns and on their jobs. He struck hope in the youth who will guide our future. He

didn’t sugarcoat things or take the credit for the successes. He admitted that there is still much to be done, and even as the road ahead wasn’t easy when he started, it won’t be easy now that his time has come to an end. But there is still hope. We have a template now. We know how to get things done, and we understand that we can have an important role in how we are governed.

Obama reminds us that “change only happens when ordinary people get involved and become engaged.” He came into the office with passion and leaves the office with that same passion.

His instruction to us is simple: Keep doing what we have done. We believed that we were important enough to make the world better. We believed him when he told us that we could, and we did. We held onto each other through times that were not easy, times that shook the American spirit to the core. But we persevered together, gathering arm in arm, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder to fight against the evils of the world that want to keep us separated and inferior.

I could spend time here going over all the accomplishments—health care, marriage equality, combating terrorism, discrimination of any kind, etc. The truth is, though, in all of the accomplishments of the administration, the connection I have with him is Obama the man.

I’ve connected with the husband, the father, and the man who took a job that wasn’t set up for him to win and completely rocked it, so much so that the entire country (mostly) is grieving at the thought of him no longer serving as our commander in chief. I find great ease and honor in offering this man my respect.

I struggled as an American prior to the Obama administration. Funny that one man could change that, huh?

Well, I’m not the only one who was changed. And one man didn’t do it. He encouraged humanity to serve each other, and for a short time, we listened. Now we must remember that what we have become doesn’t have to disappear because Obama is no longer in the White House. No matter who the leader is, the charge of democracy and fairness is our own.

Funmi “Queen” Franklin is a word lover, poet, a truth yeller and community activist. She is the founder of an organization that promotes self love, awareness and sisterhood.

America didn’t feel like home to me.

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15

IMANI KHAYYAM

The Smith Mistrial: What Just Happened?

by Tim Summers Jr.

T

he Mississippi attorney general’s prosecution of Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith for conspiracy to hinder prosecution in order to aid or assist a defendant ended in a mistrial on Jan. 4, 2017, in Special Judge Larry Roberts’ courtroom.

That means the whole affair begins anew now, culminating in a new trial on June 12. Several of the players and testimony might remain the same even as both sides can adjust their courtroom strategy, and new information can emerge in the meantime. What really happened during the Smith trial despite the “tainted” juror who helped lead to a quick mistrial? What was revealed? What hints emerged for the next trial?

Here’s a day-by-day highlight reel. Read much more, now and going forward, at jfp.ms/DAFiles.

IMANI KHAYYAM

DAY ONE, Monday, Dec. 19: A Diverse Jury The first day of trial began with the process that ultimately failed to ensure a proper ending to the trial itself: jury selection.

The State dropped charges against Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride, whom they indicted along with Smith in September, after assistant attorneys general informed the court that McBride would be testifying against Smith for the prosecution.

After jury selection, the jurors—10 black and two white; two men and 10 women— went home for the day, after the judge instructed them not to talk with anyone about the trial, use social media or have any contact with either side.

DAY TWO, Tuesday, Dec. 20: Freeing Mr. Butler

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

The court resumed the next morning to hear opening arguments for both sides.

Assistant Attorney General Bob Anderson told the jury of the “inside baseball” that ended with the charges investigators leveled against Smith, starting with his efforts to free Christopher Butler, a Jackson man facing drug charges from a 2011 Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics raid and later wire-fraud and embezzlement charges.

Smith’s attorney, Jim Waide of Tupelo, wanted the jury to be aware of a “great personal vindictiveness” between the Hinds County district attorney’s office and the attorney general’s office, a tension that led, eventually, to the charges against Smith, he argued.

Waide blamed the 2015 election campaign between Smith and former assistant district attorney and current assistant attorney general Stanley Alexander for the rough feelings. Waide said for the first time that Smith had only known Butler since what he called a chance meeting in the parking lot of P.F. Chang’s restaurant in Ridgeland in 2012.

Waide said that after Smith learned of the particulars of the charges Butler faced, the district attorney tried to move to drop the charges. But Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill blocked the effort, in the face of evidence Smith said proved that MBN planted drugs during the raid. The contents and condition of the video from the surveillance system in the home would serve as one of the pivotal points of the trial in the days to come.

The State first called FBI Special Agent Robert Culpepper to the stand to explain how he came to secure then-Assistant District Attorney Ivon Johnson as a secret informant in 16

Former assistant district attorney Ivon Johnson, who turned informant for the FBI, recorded the Hinds County DA during the first half of 2016.

the district attorney’s office. He said he first contacted Johnson in Natchez in a parking lot with a warrant for the contents of Johnson’s cell phone.

Culpepper explained that Johnson taped three different conversations with Smith during his time as an informant during 2016. Culpepper said he handed the tapes over to the attorney general’s office after Smith’s arrest in June. Waide asked Culpepper about McBride, whom the FBI agent had interviewed in August 2016. Culpepper said McBride wanted to answer his questions but was afraid of being fired if he spoke.

Johnson was the next witness the prosecution called to the stand. The former assistant district attorney told the jury that he rose very quickly in his short time at the district attorney’s office, starting in 2013, assigned to prosecute in Judge Jeff Weill’s courtroom, and that

DAY THREE, Wednesday, Dec. 21: Bribery and Other ‘Scams’

DAY FOUR, Thursday, Dec. 22: Smith v. Judges

Ivon Johnson, Smith’s former assistant district attorney, appeared again on the stand for day four of the trial.

Waide started with another round of cross-examination, again probing Johnson for his reasons for pleading no contest to the federal charges for conspiracy involving bribery.

The federal document names the total involved in the scheme as $15,000, when Johnson said that he had only taken $500. Johnson said the larger number was included because the overall conspiracy might grow with charges against other “unknown” participants in the future, supporting what Waide asserted was a larger conspiracy.

Johnson, during Anderson’s redirect, said that it was Smith who coordinated the offices efforts to subpoena Weill and others in front of a grand jury concerning the Butler case. Johnson said that while Smith organized and led the effort that he, McBride and another assistant district attorney, Walter Bleck, all supported the plan.

The State brought to the stand several employees of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department to testify about Smith’s visits to Butler in the jail.

Sanford Knott, the attorney who represented Butler during the first part of 2016, also took the stand that afternoon, describing the March 3, 2016, hearing in front of Hinds County Court Judge Melvin Priester Sr. for the wire fraud and embezzlement charges.

Knott, as Butler’s attorney at the preliminary hearing, addressed the court about his client’s position that day. He also mentioned Smith’s interruption of those proceedings to interject his belief that the attorney general’s office, through assistant attorneys general Shaun Yurtkuran and Patrick Beasley, was attempting to prevent him from investigating the 2011 MBN raid of Butler’s home. Smith argued that the State had brought Butler’s newer wire fraud and embezzlement charges to interfere with his earlier attempts to prove Butler was not guilty of drug charges. The newer white-collar crimes fell directly under the attorney general’s office’s jurisdiction to prosecute by state statute.

Imani Khayyam

The court began the next day with Waide’s cross-examination of Johnson, which pushed for Smith’s former employee to explain more about the bribery scheme he admitted to in his plea deal with the federal government for his conspiracy to commit bribery charges. Johnson had said during testimony the day before that he was unsure what the judge would decide for his sentence but that he faced up to five years and had already lost his license to practice law.

Waide asked him to name the other parties involved in the bribery scheme, whether they were in the district attorney’s office, and whether the bribery still continued. Johnson said he could not point to anyone else, that he was only involved with Harris.

But Johnson did say that Smith asked him in 2015 through text messages whether he was still working with Harris. This, Johnson said, was because of a separate “scam” that Smith thought was at work within the office.

“Again the scam, the situation, are two totally different things,” Johnson said.

In the other alleged “scam,” Johnson said, family members gave money to intermediaries to solicit bribes for lower bonds or dropped charges for their imprisoned relatives.

These community members alleged connections to the district attorney’s office to the families, and after the money was exchanged, these influence peddlers would disappear. It is unclear from the testimony if there were several people that participated or a few.

It was this scam, Johnson testified, that sent Robert “Too Sweet” Henderson to him, inquiring as to why Smith would not return his requests to meet about money Henderson had collected in exchange for lower bonds. Henderson would testify later to this scheme, described as a swap of “support” for Smith’s campaign for favorable treatment.

As a result of Smith’s interjection, Priester filed a complaint with the Mississippi Bar Association, which along with his behavior toward other judges including Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green, resulted in a warning to Smith.

Knott told the jury that he visited Butler in jail to inform him that the district attorney would come see him to get an affidavit signed.

Lee McDivitt, the investigator with the attorney general’s office who arrested Smith on June 22 with an affidavit, was the next witness up for the prosecution. He outlined the evidence that led him to arrest the district attorney. He said that the same March 3 Knott had described was the first time that the actions of the district attorney drew his attention.

McDivitt, a member of the public-corruption division of the attorney general’s office, said Smith’s behavior during the hearing led to a warrant from a justice court judge (because all circuit judges recused) for the contents of Smith’s cell phone, which McDivitt also seized when he arrested Smith. McDivitt said members of the district attorney’s staff attempted to prevent him from getting the cell phone that day.

McDivitt said he had never seen a district attorney be so committed to getting charges dropped against a defendant, stating that it was Smith’s job to put people behind bars, not to free them. He said Smith’s erratic behavior at the Priester hearing led to Smith’s arrest.

Judge Larry Roberts sent the jury home for a long holiday weekend, instructing them not to discuss the case or take in any media reports during the four-days intervening.

Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride testified for the State after the indictment against him was dropped the first day of the trial.

DAY FIVE, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016: From Drugs to Wire Fraud

In one of the more unique moments to the case, the prosecution called the defense counsel, Jim Waide, to the stand as their next witness. Prosecutor Anderson asked Waide what evidence he had that the MBN planted drugs at the Butler home, the supposed motivation for Smith’s enthusiasm for Butler’s freedom.

Waide said that, for his part, he leaned heavily on the investigative work of Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride (who had been arrested with Smith and later his charges dropped) on the case, including questions about how certain cameras in Butler’s house had cut out, mentioning specifically a “camera two” in the video, but admitting that most of the evidence was “circumstantial.”

Then DA Smith, in his cross-examination of his own attorney, asked if Waide had ever seen anything like the case in front of the court in his time as a defense attorney. Waide said he had never “seen anything like this before,” referring to the charges against Smith.

Waide said the animosity between Smith, Weill and the attorney general’s office had been festering for years and that, in his opinion Smith, his client, was not being treated fairly.

The State then called Kwanza Hilliard, the former girlfriend of Butler who shared the house with him that the MBN raided in 2011. She said Butler had gotten in trouble years before for drugs, that neither were dealing drugs at the time. She said the money found in the house, around $100,000, belonged to her. She even hired former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson—whom Smith defeated for his first term as DA—to be her lawyer for a forfeiture hearing about the money. Waide and Hilliard both stated that, more TRIAL, see page 18

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

he grew to have close conversations with Smith. Some of those dialogues, he said, centered on the Butler case, about which Johnson said Smith “had a very hands-on approach.”

During Johnson’s testimony, the prosecution showed the jury slides with excerpts from the secret recordings Johnson made of Smith in three separate meetings. In the recordings, Smith and Johnson discussed the Butler situation, specifically how Smith planned to “get that ass” when talking about Judge Weill.

The prosecution asked Johnson a lot about Smith’s attitude toward the Butler case, which Johnson said was outside the norm. He said Smith took a personal interest in the case, and that his stated goal was to “ultimately free Christopher Butler.”

Johnson said he had told Smith, early in his employment with the office, that he had accepted bribes from an old client, Marietta Harris, to lower a bond for her nephew. He said Smith told him at the time not to worry about it, that everyone makes mistakes.

17

TRIAL from page 17 during that hearing, Peterson argued that there were problems with the video of the MBN raid. Hilliard said she was shopping at the mall during the raid and had no idea whether the MBN planted the drugs. (Neither side called Peterson as a witness.)

The next witness for the prosecution was one of the two assistant attorneys general, Patrick Beasley, who also left the district attorney’s office to work for Attorney General Jim Hood. Beasley and Yurtkuran were the two attorneys who charged Butler with wire fraud and embezzlement in January 2016 in connection to an alleged scam Butler implemented while working at Mega Mattress, a local furniture outlet.

Butler, on top of his criminal charges, also faces civil litigation from the finance company associated with the store concerning that case.

Beasley said he attended the March 3 hearing in Priester’s courtroom and related to the jury how Smith acted. Beasley said he had viewed the tape of the MBN raid and did not see any evidence of tampering or planting of evidence, which Priester also said during Butler’s wire-fraud hearing to Smith in his courtroom. Beasley also addressed Waide’s claims during earlier testimony that the attorney general’s office had pressured Butler to tell them about his relationship with Smith, saying he told Knott that Butler had options.

Waide also asked Beasley about any hostility between himself and Smith, which Beasley first brushed off as one-sided. Waide then showed the court texts between Smith and Beasley from 2015, when Smith accused him of being an “Uncle Tom” and a “traitor,” Imani Khayyam

Robert “Too Sweet” Henderson told the jury he feared for his life after receiving payments from people in exchange of dropped or reduced charges.

comments that Beasley said in court that he still did not completely understand.

Smith’s attorney also asked Beasley about the timing of his call to McBride shortly before the district attorney’s initial arrest in June 2016, asking whether Smith planned to indict him and Yurtkuran. “I did not know that we were about to arrest Smith,” Beasley said in response, emphasizing later that his wire-fraud case against Butler had nothing to do with the earlier drug charges he still faces.

DAY SIX, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016: Smith and the Ledger January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride, formerly a defendant the grand jury indicted alongside Smith in September, took the stand for the State the next morning, although it is not clear what the prosecution wished to secure from McBride.

McBride’s perspective seemed to hold authority over whether there was enough evidence to clear Butler to justify Smith’s actions because the DA had asked him to assemble all the information needed to drop the drug charges.

However, during the prosecution’s direct examination, McBride showed only support for Smith. McBride, whose attorney is former Mayor Dale Danks Jr., said he still had questions about the integrity of the MBN video. He indicated issues with footage from one of the cameras in particular, arguing that these “discrepancies” caused him concern. He said he did not think that Smith’s actions in this case were too much, stating that the prosecu18 tor’s role is to “seek justice.”

Waide also dismissed some of the offensive language that Smith used in the correspondence that the jury had seen to date. He explained that sometimes Smith lost his temper and would call McBride to “vent.” He said Smith’s discussions of targeting Weill and the assistant attorneys general was also a part of that tendency to vent and that he had not heard of any intention to indict Beasley or Yurtkuran.

The State then called Robbie Odom, another investigator for the attorney general’s office, who explained his perspective of Smith’s activities that led to his June arrest.

The prosecution used text messages from Smith’s phone to show that the district attorney communicated with The Clarion-Ledger’s reporter about his desire to clear Butler a month before Smith’s initial arrest in June 2016, even going so far as offering to buy an ad in the newspaper for upward for “$1,000 to $2,000” on May 17 to ensure that the newspaper ran a “full-page” story about Butler, a story he was pitching to the reporter.

“Summary: political prisoners who are being held on false charges because of the AG’s office and Judge Jeff Weill fighting the hinds DA,” he wrote the reporter on May 17 about his Butler pitch. “It’s very serious because their constitutional and civil rights are being violated. Dennis (S)weet represents another defendant and he is furious about it. I’m filing something today on Christopher butler. Thanks. I know you’re busy (sic).”

The reporter, Anna Wolfe, didn’t initially respond, and four days later, Smith followed up his pitch: “We’re going to implement a strategy that will go viral. It’s awesome and would want you to cover it before kingsnake tries to cover it on his gossip website.” Wolfe texted back on May 24 that she would tell court reporter Jimmie Gates about the pitch, but she soon took over covering Smith’s trial and was in the courtroom when the prosecution put the text messages on a large screen for the jury.

Smith had previously complimented Wolfe and talked about money in texts as well.

“You’re the best in journalism as long as you’re not covering my office. Haha,” Smith texted Wolfe, who previously worked for the JFP for several months. “I’ll hire you personally at whatever salary you want in private business,” he texted May 12. She did not respond.

The text exchange between Smith and Wolfe entered into evidence began April 28 and reveal that Smith was conducting an “investigation” of a different story, before later pitching his effort on behalf of Butler to her, and that he had provided “bank records” to Wolfe. When Smith asked her on May 2, “Did my investigation help out,” the reporter responded, “Very much.”

The text chain does not confirm what investigation the two were working on, but Wolfe published a story about Mayor Tony Yarber’s mortgage on May 21, which relied on “bank records,” but without giving a source for them. The next day, Smith texted the reporter, “Go Anna!! Socrates is scum … I gotcha back.” .” The next day, Smith texted her, without context or specifics, that Donna Ladd, the editor-in-chief of the Jackson Free Press, was “hatin” and had already printed “false, slanderous things about me and my family.” After the prosecution showed the texts to the jury in court, Smith told the JFP that he had no comment about the remarks.

Smith has never reached out to the JFP about any factual errors, although he has in years past complained that the newspaper had reported that former DA Ed Peters and Mayor Frank Melton had supported his early campaign, which was factual. He also told Wolfe that “if it weren’t for my family, (Ladd’s) newspaper wouldn’t exist,” a puzzling statement that appeared on a screen in front of the jury.

In fact, Smith has not returned the JFP’s phone calls in recent years, except one instance during his last campaign when he told a reporter he would grant him an interview at 7:30 a.m., and the reporter declined. That reporter is no longer with the newspaper.

The district attorney chose to cross-examine Odom himself, presenting him with a copy of a transcript from a different hearing involving a grand-jury testimony of Tracey Chandler, a woman who alleged that she had given someone attached to the district attorney’s office money to help get her husband, accused of murder, out of jail. Smith clearly wanted to show that he was fighting against corruption within his office, even as the prosecution attempted to show that the office was rife with bribery and corruption on Smith’s watch, with witnesses testifying that he was aware of the money offers.

DAY SEVEN, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016: ‘Too Sweet’ Turns on Smith

The big witness for the State during day seven was Robert “Too Sweet” Henderson, a former felon who former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned with the blessing of DA Smith. Henderson worked on Smith’s campaign, telling the jury that during the election he solicited bribes, called “donations,” from community members at the behest of Smith in exchange for lowering bonds and dropping charges. more TRIAL, see page 20

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19

figures and whose actions years ago led former Sheriff Tyrone Lewis to file a restraining order against him. The defense used Davis to attack the credibility of Henderson; Davis called him a “confidence man and a liar.” He also said that he knew of Smith through family connections and that he believed the district attorney to be “very honest.”

TRIAL from page 18

Henderson said he acted as the go-between for Smith, negotiating three different deals. In exchange for “support,” in the form of cash, Henderson would arrange the deal and pass the “support” over to Smith. Henderson said that after Smith did not follow through on his promises to the people paying for the favors, he feared for his safety. “I shouldn’t be here,” Henderson said, adding that Smith had put him in a “bad situation.”

Henderson said he did not have a deal with the attorney general’s office for his testimony. The FBI had, however, approached and arrested him after he attempted to contact then-assistant district attorney and FBI-informant Ivon Johnson about the bribes.

“He left you hanging?” Anderson asked Henderson. “Yes, sir,” he responded.

After Henderson, the State rested their case.

The defense, for its first witness, called Christopher Butler to the stand. For the man at the center of the feud between the two prosecutorial agencies, Butler’s testimony was muted and short, thanks mostly to his attorney, Kevin Rundlett, who objected to almost every question asked of Butler.

Butler still faces both the drug and wire-fraud charges, and as a result, as the judge said, could not predict how any of his answers could be used against him in those trials.

The same thing occurred with the next witness for the defense, U.S. Attorney Greg Davis, whose attorney objected to most questions.

DAY NINE, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017: Annoyed

Imani Khayyam

The trial moved to a different courtroom for the next day of trial, after another long holiday weekend, for the final defense witnesses, which included two members of Butler’s family and Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes.

Derek McDonald, Butler’s brother, testified that he became concerned about Butler after his mother began receiving letters about his conditions in jail. He said Butler had problems keeping an attorney during the intervening months before the trial, even dropping Sanford Knott in March of this year, and went months without any representation at all. He said he saw Smith and Butler speak once, during a visit to the jail in March.

Evia Butler, Christopher Butler’s mother, said she was concerned about her son’s safety. She said that after Butler’s arrest in January for the wire-fraud charges that she began to call “everyone,” including Stokes, who stepped up to the stand to discuss one of the letters from Butler that he had read on a local radio show. (His wife, Larita Cooper-Stokes, is also a Hinds County circuit judge who recused from the cases.)

Stokes, an attorney by training, said he read the letter on the radio, even asking the district attorney to appear, to draw attention to the issue, although he was not directly acquainted with anyone involved. He said his office receives a lot of letters from inmates and that his purpose for reading the letter on the radio was simply to bring attention to what he characterized as an “injustice.”

That afternoon, back in the original courtroom, the jury heard the testimony of Gale Walker, a former assistant district attorney, who has a wrongful termination suit against the district attorney’s office. She testified that while she worked with the office and was assigned the Butler case, Smith became annoyed with her resistance to his plan for helping Butler. She said that, eventually, the Butler case was the reason that Smith fired her.

“It had everything to do with it,” Walker told the jury.

Walker said she believed she had all necessary evidence to gain a conviction of Butler on the drug charges and that Smith was afraid because he knew she could get the conviction. She said she never saw any evidence that drugs were planted during the MBN raid.

DAY TEN, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017: Christopher Butler decided to follow the advice of his attorney for his time during the trial, taking his Fifth Amendment right to not testify against himself.

DAY EIGHT, Friday, Dec. 30, 2016: Weill on Smith

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

The next day the same pattern continued when Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Weill took the stand, despite protests from his attorney, Frank Trapp, that the judicialprivilege precedent in Mississippi law allowed the judge to remain mum about his thought process or decision-making in any of his closed or current cases.

So, as Waide kept attempting to talk to Weill about the Butler case, Weill and Trapp both reiterated that the judge could not discuss matters over which he currently presides.

Weill did tell the court about his relationship with Smith, which he described in court documents released before the trial as “adversarial.” His story in court reflected that as he recounted an incident where he seized a cell phone belonging to one of Smith’s assistants when it went off during a hearing in a capital-murder case. Weill instructed one of his bailiffs to take the phone, which is not an uncommon practice for a judge.

The judge said Smith showed up later in the afternoon, banging on his chamber doors. Weill said Smith brought a television crew with him, demanding that Weill return the cell phone, which he did. Weill said that later that night he received “threatening” messages from the district attorney. This behavior led Weill to file a complaint with the Mississippi Bar against the district attorney, which Judges Priester and Tomie Green also did in response to his behavior related to the Butler cases.

As for the nol pros motion that Smith requested from Weill to dismiss the charges against Butler, the judge said the request initially to him felt “aberrant” and that it was not unusual for him to request more information before he approved such a motion to drop charges against a defendant. He said neither Smith nor his office ever complied with his request for more information.

The defense’s next witness was a member of the community, Tony Davis, an active social-media gadfly well known to media for long accusatory emails of a variety of public 20

The last day of the trial started in a similar way to the first, with the judge giving instructions to the jury, telling them to use the evidence presented in front of them during the trial and nothing else to make their determination of guilt or innocence.

During closing arguments, Special Assistant Attorney General Marvin Sanders asked the jury to remember the recorded statements of Smith introduced throughout the trial that mentioned Butler and the passion to drop his charges. He also recalled the seriousbut-unconfirmed suspicions the district attorney had about the planting of drugs and that Smith, as an attorney, knew of the statute forbidding a district attorney from aiding or assisting a criminal defendant.

“He should know how to read a statute and interpret it,” Sanders said. “Mr. Smith does not care who he destroys in his efforts to get Christopher Butler off.”

Waide, on the other hand, first attacked the testimony of Henderson, whom he called a “psychopath.” He said all the attorney general’s efforts in the months leading up to Smith’s arrest were to prevent Smith from indicting their own staff members. He said the prosecution had kept Butler on a string, subject to the State’s every whim in an effort to pin the DA with something: “They have him in a noose.” Waide evoked, in a moment that brought him close to tears, the eulogy of Robert Kennedy by his brother, Sen. Ted Kennedy—saying these two Roberts, Smith and Kennedy, only sought justice.

But none of that mattered in the end, as the jury sent a note up to Special Judge Larry Roberts two hours into afternoon deliberations asking how to deal with a juror who had a preconceived notion about Smith before the trial began. WAPT soon broke the news that the juror was a Jackson Police Department employee who other jurors said used her predisposed notions about the district attorney’s habits to influence the final verdict.

The judge asked the jury to continue deliberating despite this, although when the jury sent another note back it was to inform the court that the jury was split on guilt and could not reach a verdict. Roberts agreed and scheduled another trial for June 12 when it will start all over again.

Read a substantive and ongoing timeline of the events at jfp.ms/DAtimeline and find full coverage of the DA saga at jfp.ms/DAFiles. Email reporter Tim Summers at tim@jacksonfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @tims_alive for breaking news.

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We pride ourselves on fresh, authentic Mexican food as well as atmosphere and guest satisfaction.

21

LIFE&STYLE | food&drink

Saltine Gets a New Chef

by Amber Helsel and Dustin Cardon

S 4:30-7PM | 7 DAYS A WEEK 1/2 Nigiri/Maki roll $2 Off House Wines by Glass, Beer and Signature Martinis

3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 105, Jackson | (601)981-3205 Like us on Facebook! www.surinofthailand.com

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*#22; *174

altine Oyster Bar Sous Chef Nicole Medrano has received a new title at the restaurant: executive chef.

Medrano, who is a Chicago native, has worked with Tennessee chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman of Hog & Hominy and Porcellino’s Craft Butcher

Nicole Medrano is the new executive chef at Saltine Oyster Bar.

in Memphis. The 25-year-old began cooking in seventh grade as part of an afterschool program. She also competed in local cook-off before earning her stage (chef apprenticeship) at Sixty Blue restaurant in Chicago. She moved to Jackson in early 2016, and was the sous chef at Saltine for a little more than a year before she became the executive chef.

“I’m looking to take a more farm-totable-centered direction for Saltine going forward, keeping in touch with local farmers and the fresh produce they can provide,” Medrano told the Jackson Free Press. “My Hispanic background has also given me a lot of expertise in Mexican-style dishes that I want to try out for the menu.”

Former executive chef Jesse Houston who helped open Saltine is currently in Tulum, Mexico, cooking as a guest chef at ZAMAS Hotel & Restaurant.

Saltine Oyster Bar (622 Duling Ave.) is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit saltinerestaurant.com.

Can’t-miss food events

by Amber Helsel

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

Barrel Bourbon Tasting

The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., themanshipjackson. com) will host a Barrel Bourbon tasting on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests can try six flights from the Georgetown, Ky.-based company, along with hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $80.12 with the service charge and tax included.

For more information, find The Manship on Facebook.

22

Fast Food Slow

For this month’s Museum After Hours event, which is Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515), Chef Nick Wallace will create a ‘sipp Sourced pop-up menu called “Fast Food Slow,” which will consist of playful alternatives to drive-thru meals. At press time, the menu hadn’t been announced. This month’s menu will be served from 5:30 p.m. until on Thursday and then during lunch from Friday, Jan. 20, to Saturday, Jan. 21. For more information, visit msmuseumart.org or find the event on Facebook.

‘Down the Drain’

The Detectives Dinner Theatre will perform its play “Down the Drain” at Lost Pizza Co. in Ridgeland (500 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 769-300-3116, lostpizza.com).

The setting of the play is an office employee appreciation party, where the manager gives out pink slips to the employees (the audience). Tickets are $34 and include a three-course meal. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the show is at 7 p.m. For more information, visit thedetectives.biz.

Wiseacre Brewing Beer Dinner

On Jan. 30, Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint (565 Taylor St., salandmookies.com) is hosting a Wiseacre Brewing Beer Dinner. The menu includes dishes such as fried calamari tossed in a chili-garlic sauce with mint, green onions and cabbage paired with Ananda IPA; beef and Italian sausage chili paired with Bird Upon a Hippo Belgian stout; and chocolate tiramisu paired with Gotta Get Up to Get Down coffee milk stout. Tickets are $60 for food and beer. For more information, call 601-368-1919.

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Jackson’s Newest Authentic Thai & Sushi Bar with 26 signature martini’s and extensive wine list.

23

THURSDAY 1/19

FRIDAY 1/20

SATURDAY 1/21

Family Fun Science Night is at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

The Traxxas Monster Truck Destruction Tour is at the Mississippi Coliseum.

The Junior Diabetes Research Funding Hope Gala is at the Country Club of Jackson.

BEST BETS Jan. 18 - 25, 2017 Courtesy Lillian Axe

WEDNESDAY 1/18

The Wedding Fair is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). Features an opportunity to meet the Fairview Inn staff, prizes, tour of the venue, complementary hors d’ouevres, cocktails and more. Free; call 601-948-3429; email marketing@fairviewinn.com; fairviewinn.com.

THURSDAY 1/19

Lucky Tucker

“Museum After Hours—Moonlighting” is at 5:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Features artwork from current and former staff artists.

Chef Nick Wallace serves a “Fast Food Slow”-themed ’sippSourced menu with locally sourced ingredients. Clevelandbased jazz band Betzenzo and the Mississippi Improv Alliance perform. Free admission, with cash bar; call 601-9601515; msmuseumart.org.

Rock band Lillian Axe performs Friday, Jan. 20, at The Hideaway.

5683; rmhcms.org. … Lillian Axe performs at 8 p.m., at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N.). The New Orleansbased rock band performs. The Jason Miller Band also performs. $15, $55 for VIP table with dinner; call 601-2914759; hideawayms.com.

SATURDAY 1/21

The Barrel Bourbon Tasting is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., Suite 100). Includes a flight from Barrel Bourbon and heavy

by TYLER EDWARDS hors d’oeuvres. $75; call 601-3984562; themanshipjackson.com. … “Flash Bang! Art & Music jacksonfreepress.com Showcase, Vol.1” is from 9 p.m. to Fax: 601-510-9019 2 a.m. at Martin’s Restaurant & Daily updates at Bar (214 S. State St.). Includes 3D jfpevents.com video art installations, live painters and music from resident deejays LUZCID, Taboo, MayneLayne, Malignate, Garracula and Russ Robbins. $10; call 601-826-4431; email jonathan@ flashbangevents.com; martinslounge.net.

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

events@

Author Mary Miller, a Jackson native, signs copies of her latest book, “Always Happy Hour,” on Monday, Jan. 23, at Lemuria Books.

FRIDAY 1/20

“Red Shoe Soirée: A Masquerade” is from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Includes food and drinks, with music from Compozitionz. Proceeds 24 benefit the Ronald McDonald House. $50; call 601-981-

SUNDAY 1/22

American Aquarium, form North Carolina, performs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.). The alternative-country and southern-rock band’s latest album is titled “Live from Terminal West.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door; call 601-354-9712; martinslounge.net.

MONDAY 1/23

Author Mary Miller signs copies of “Always Happy Hour” at 5 p.m. at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202). Reading at 5:30 p.m. $24.95 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com. … An Introduction to Observational Drawing is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.).

Artist Richard Cawthon introduces basic drawing techniques and discusses how to perceive shape, proportion and placement. All material provided. $50; call 601-9741130; millsaps.edu.

TUESDAY 1/24

Jewish Cinema Festival 2017 begins at 7 p.m. at Malco Grandview Cinema (221 Grandview Blvd., Madison). The festival includes a screening each night. Films include. “Remember,” “The People vs. Fitz Bauer,” “Sabena Hijacking—My Version,” “Moos” and “Fanny’s Journey.”

Additional dates: Jan. 25-28, 7 p.m., Jan. 29, 2 p.m. $10 single-day admission, $40 weekend pass; call 601-7903090; jewishcinemams.com.

WEDNESDAY 1/25

Robert Burns’ Supper is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Seafood R’evolution (1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite 9015, Ridgeland). Scottish chef Simon Brown prepares a five-course meal with paired Glenmorangie Scotch. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite tartan or kilt. Reservations required. $89; call 853-3474; find it on Facebook.

Events at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.) • Wedding Fair Jan. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Features an opportunity to meet the Fairview Inn staff, prizes, tour of the venue, complementary hors d’ouevres, cocktails and more. Free; call 601948-3429; email marketing@fairviewinn.com; fairviewinn.com.

• Diversity in Advertising Discussion Panel Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m. Panelists include Lulu Intan, D’Artagnan Winford, Talamieka Brice and Neftali Palma. Pam Confer, Director of Community and Public Relations at Nissan, is the moderator. $30, free for members; call 601-487-1100; aafjackson.org.

Women’s March on Jackson Jan. 21, noon-3 p.m., at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.).

Participants take part in the official sister march to the Women’s March on Washington. A rally on the south steps of the Mississippi Capitol building follows. Free; email jacksonmetroan@ gmail.com; find it on Facebook.

ACLU of Mississippi Legislative Advocacy Day 2017 Jan. 24, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). The ACLU of Mississippi rolls out its legislative advocacy priorities for 2017. Features a brief training seminar at the ACLU headquarters, and a news conference at the Capitol at 11:15 a.m. Free; call 601-3543408; find it on Facebook.

KIDS

Mississippi St.). Monster-truck drivers compete in races, wheelie contests and freestyle action. $10-$30; call 601-353-0603; monstertruckdestructiontour.com.

“Bodywork” Hip Hop Dance-a-thon 2017 Jan. 21, 12:30-3 p.m., at University Wellness Center (46 Northtown Drive). Mississippi hip-hop choreographers and dance-duo Roger and Tena Long teach a hip-hop dance master class. For all levels of experience. For ages 15 and up. $10, free for members; call 601-854-7480; email golongproductions@yahoo.com.

SLATE

College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): The UM Rebels women’s team travels to face South Carolina. … College basketball (7-9 p.m., SECN+): The MSU women’s team hits the road to battle Alabama.

Friday, Jan. 20

NBA (7-9:30 p.m., ESPN): Two of the top three teams in the Western Conference collide when the Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors.

Look and Learn with Hoot Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.noon, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). The children’s event includes creative play and literacy through a hands-on art activity and story time. For ages 5 and under. Free; call 601-960-1515; email afarcus@msmuseumart. org; msmuseumart.org.

Sunday, Jan. 22

Barrel Bourbon Tasting Jan. 21, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., Suite 100). Includes a flight from Barrel Bourbon and heavy hors d’oeuvres. $75; call 601-398-4562; themanshipjackson.com.

Robert Burns’ Supper Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m., at Seafood R’evolution (1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite 9015, Ridgeland). Scottish chef Simon Brown prepares a five-course meal with paired Glenmorangie Scotch. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite tartan or kilt. Reservations required. $89; find it on Facebook.

SPORTS & WELLNESS Traxxas Monster Truck Destruction Tour Jan. 20-21, 7:30 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207

the best in sports over the next seven days

Thursday, Jan. 19

Saturday, Jan. 21

Jackson Metro Winter Brunch Jan. 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood). English professor Bridget Smith Pieschel is the guest speaker. $25; call 662-3297295; email developmentandalumni@muw.edu; find it on Facebook.

Events at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.) • A Live One—The Music of PHISH Jan. 20, 10 p.m. The Texas-based Phish tribute band performs. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission TBA; call 601-354-9712; email ryboltproductions@comcast.net; martinslounge.net.

by Bryan Flynn

There are just four teams left in the NFL Playoffs, and three of those teams feature quarterbacks who have won a Super Bowl.

Only Matt Ryan for Atlanta doesn’t have a ring.

Family Fun Science Night Jan. 19, 6-8 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Includes STEM activities, live animals, brain-teasing challenges and more. $2, free for members; call 576-6000; mdwfp.com.

FOOD & DRINK

Lillian Axe Jan. 20, 8 p.m., at The Hideaway (5100 Interstate 55 N.). The New Orleans-based rock band performs. The Jason Miller Band also performs. $15, $55 for VIP table with dinner; call 601-291-4759; hideawayms.com.

College football (2-6 p.m., NFLN): Several players from Mississippi universities will see action in the 2017 East-West Shrine Game.

NFL (2-5:30 p.m., FOX): Tune in for the NFC Championship Game between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers. … NFL (5:30-9 p.m., CBS): The AFC Championship Game sees the New England Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

STAGE & SCREEN Jewish Cinema Festival 2017 Jan. 24-28, 7 p.m., Jan. 29, 2 p.m., at Malco Grandview Cinema (221 Grandview Blvd., Madison). The festival includes a screening each night. Films include “Remember,” “The People vs. Fitz Bauer,” “Sabena Hijacking—My Version,” “Moos” and “Fanny’s Journey.” $10 single-day admission, $40 weekend pass; call 601-790-3090; jewishcinemams.com.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Ayrehart Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Woodworth Chapel (6550 Tougaloo Blvd.). The American ensemble performs Renaissance music from the British Isles. $25 admission; call 601-594-5584; ancientmusic.org.

Monday, Jan. 23

College basketball (6-8 p.m., ESPN2): The No. 4 MSU women battle No. 5 South Carolina. … College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPNU): The MVSU men host Texas Southern.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPN): The No. 6 Kentucky men travels to Tennessee in a game the Volunteers might need to reach the postseason.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): The MSU men host Missouri in SEC play. … College basketball (6:30-8:30 p.m., ESPN2): The UM Rebels men host Texas A&M in a must-win conference game for both teams.

Pittsburgh and Green Bay are the only road teams to win in these playoffs.

Both will have to win on the road again if they want into the Super Bowl.

Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports

LITERARY & SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202) • “The Midnight Cool” Jan. 18, 5 p.m. Lydia Peelle speaks about her book with special guest Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. $26.99 book; lemuriabooks.com.

• “Always Happy Hour” Jan. 23, 5 p.m. Mary Miller signs copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $24.95 book; lemuriabooks.com.

• “The Second Mrs. Hockaday” Jan. 24, 5 p.m. Susan Rivers sign copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $25.95 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

• “Signals” Jan. 25, 5 p.m. Tim Gautreaux signs copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $26.95 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES Beginners Calligraphy Class Jan. 21, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m., at Posh Design Shoppe (420 Monroe St.). Katie Boles teaches the basics to develop your own lettering style. All supplies provided, including a starter kit. $75; find it on Facebook.

Millsaps Community Enrichment Series— Winter 2017 January-April, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). Instructors provide noncredit courses in special interest areas, including arts and crafts, dance, health, history, language and literature, music, business and more. Dates and prices vary; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu.

EXHIBIT OPENINGS Museum After Hours—Moonlighting Jan. 19, 5:30-9 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Features artwork from current and former staff artists. Chef Nick Wallace serves a “Fast Food Slow”-themed ’sipp-Sourced menu.

Cleveland-based jazz band Betzenzo and the Mississippi Improv Alliance perform. Free admission, with cash bar; msmuseumart.org.

Flash Bang! Art & Music Showcase, Vol.1 Jan. 21, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.). Includes 3D video art installations, live painters and music from resident deejays LUZCID, Taboo, MayneLayne, Malignate, Garracula and Russ Robbins. $10; call 601-8264431; martinslounge.net.

BE THE CHANGE

• American Aquarium Jan. 22, 8-11 p.m. The North Carolina-native southern-rock band performs. Young Valley also performs. Doors open at 7 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door; call 601-354-9712; email ryboltproductions@comcast.net; martinslounge.net.

Red Shoe Soirée: A Masquerade Jan. 20, 7:3011 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.).

Includes food and drinks, with music from Compozitionz. Proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House. $50; call 981-5683; rmhcms.org.

Country Showdown Jan. 21, 8 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Country-music acts compete for a $1,000 prize, the regional title and the opportunity to advance to one of five semifinals competitions. Doors open at 7 p.m. $5 in advance, $10 at the door; call 601-292-7121; ardenland.net.

Junior Diabetes Research Funding Hope Gala Jan. 21, 6 p.m., at Country Club of Jackson (345 St. Andrews Drive). Includes cocktails, a silent auction, a live auction and an after-party begins at 9:15. Black tie optional. $150 admission, $1,200 table for 8, $1,500 table for 10; call 601-981-1184; jdrf-mississippi.ejoinme.org.

Hungrytown Jan. 24, 7 p.m., at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Dr., Clinton). The Vermont-native folk duo has been featured on shows such as “Portlandia” and “The Daily Show.” Free; call 601-924-5684; email kcorbett@ jhlibrary.org; hungrytown.net.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

COMMUNITY

25

DIVERSIONS | music

LPs and the People Who Press Them

by Micah Smith

V

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

courtesy Viryl Technologies

inyl is back. At least, that’s been the experience for For consumers, he says, there is the perceived improveIn early 2016, the team at Hand Drawn decided to Jackson singer-songwriter Jason Daniels, frontman put a greater focus on vinyl, purchasing a space in Addi- ment of sound quality on vinyl, but perhaps more imporof the Jason Daniels Band. In November 2015, he son, Texas, to house its own record-pressing plant, Hand tantly, there’s the human nature of wanting to physically decided to invest in a vinyl re-release of his 2013 Drawn Pressing, which officially opened in the first week of own something that they care about. debut, “Dashboard Visions and Rearview Reflections,” January 2017. There are about 25 active pressing plants in For artists, the benefit of selling a vinyl record is more purchasing 1,000 LP copies. the U.S., and many of those use older or refurbished press- pragmatic: They can actually get enough money from sales

“As far as a medium for distributing music digitally, ing machines. Hand Drawn, on the other hand, is an early to make it to the next town, he says. Even if an independent the CD is kind of dead,” he says. “It’s nothing but a fancy adopter of a new design called the Warm Tone record press artist a limited run of LPs for around $6 to $8 per copy, business card. With all the streaming services such as from Viryl Technologies in Toronto.

Blocker says he or she can sell that copy for $15 or $20 Spotify and all the others, there’s no reason to buy music “There’s a couple big (differences), and most of it is without anyone balking at the price. unless you are serious about the audio quality of the mu- on the ‘brains’ itself,” Blocker says. “It essentially has an “Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a CD, but 0 percent of zero sic. Vinyl LPs provide an experience that’s unique from operating system that was built just for the press, but it’s a is zero,” he says. “If you can’t sell a CD and have to give the other mediums.” it away, you essentially just poured that

That has also been the consensus that money you paid for CDs down the drain. consumers have gleaned from the media With a record, I always like this one that for the past few years. In December 2016, somebody told me, as well: ‘Has anybody The Washington Post even published an every handed you a 12-inch LP, and you article titled, “Vinyl surpasses digital sales just thought it was free?’ It happens with in some music markets. Time to ask Santa CDs and download cards, but there’s for a turntable?” something about that 12-inch where you

However, that title tells only a sliver of go, ‘This is worth money. I have to purthe story. The Post article states that there chase this or put it back.’” was industry growth overall last year, and in Britain, vinyl record sales beat digital Finding Value in Vinyl downloads over one week in 2016, but the Daniels says that in his experience, vinyl revival isn’t necessarily as expansive as people who appreciate vinyl records acsome may think. tively seek out and purchase music in that

The Recording Industry Association format, which isn’t necessarily the case for of America’s 2016 midyear report says that those who stream or download “Dashin the U.S., all physical-format music valboard Visions and Rearview Reflecues were down 14 percent from the first tions,” often finding it by chance through half of 2015. Within that, vinyl sales in the an algorithm-based playlist.

Viryl Technologies in Toronto created the Warm Tone recording press, of which Texas-based vinyl-record plant Hand Drawn Pressing is one of the U.S. only accounted for about 6.2 percent “If somebody buys your LP, they value earliest adopters. Hand Drawn CCO Dustin Blocker says the new press will of all recorded music revenue in the first your music,” he says. “… If people downhelp make vinyl a more viable merchandise option for independent musicians. half of 2016—down 6 percent from the load or stream your music, it’s passive. previous year. An uptick is not a takeover.

There’s no investment there.”

At the same time, these kinds of revenue-tracking sys- microchip versus old valves. The way that you make a really Despite the higher cost of the LP, though, Daniels tems only show a portion of what’s happening in the mu- great record is going to be the temperature of the steam and says he has never seen a concertgoer react negatively to sic industry—as the RIAA website states, it “represent(s) the cooling water that (also) has an instant coolant, as well the increased price since those who want it for free can some of the most iconic record labels … behind today’s as the pressure that pushes down on the mold to make the essentially get it for free elsewhere. “If they’re willing to most popular artists.” The numbers don’t always reflect the record. If anything in those three pieces goes awry, you get buy your record, they are already willing to pay for vinyl,” world of independent artists like Daniels. a lot of defects, and the reject rate is somewhere typically, in he says.

While vinyl will be a priority for him on his eventual the older presses now, about 30 to 40 percent, whereas this Hand Drawn v. ‘Digital Hangover’ follow-up album, he says that making the jump to a vinylone is about 1 percent.”

Dustin Blocker, the chief creative officer of Hand That has a huge effect on the turnaround time for only release isn’t possible for an independent artist in the Drawn Records and Hand Drawn Pressing in Dallas, orders, the uptime for the machine and the waste of ma- modern music industry.

Texas, is a big believer in vinyl records and the impact they terials, he says. While Blocker wouldn’t speak on the cost “I’m not Taylor Swift,” Daniels says. “I’m fighting hard can have on emerging artists. Blocker, who is an indepen- of purchasing two presses from Viryl Technologies, he says for exposure, so you know, I can’t say my new album is not dent musician himself, started the label arm of the business the Canadian tech startup partnered with Hand Drawn to going to be on Spotify or any of that. Basically, for an indeabout five years ago, and his business partner, Chief Opera- make sure the label had the proper infrastructure in place to pendent artist, recorded music is a vehicle to hopefully put tions Officer Alex Cushing, joined in 2014. some butts in seats at your shows. People used to go on tour make its plant successful.

“We identified vinyl as kind of working with the ethos Blocker says that he sees a few reasons why some con- to promote their albums, and while that’s valid—having a of the company, Hand Drawn Records, and also of course sumers are investing in vinyl again, but one of the biggest new album is a strong way to promote yourself and to get a huge need in the market, and something we were excited factors is “digital hangover.” press and airplay because it’s something new—ultimately, about,” Blocker says. “So we got into the game actually as “Everything’s so fast and easy and cheap,” he says. “A recording is that you’re just putting songs out there. Hopebrokers in 2014, just to simplify the ordering process for friend of mind in a different label actually said, ‘People don’t fully, people like it and come to your shows. musicians. That’s how we learned the best mastering hous- even want to buy your mp3s. They just want to rent ‘em.’

“You know, I really hope vinyl continues to grow,” he es, the best print people, and of course, the process of press- So, you can’t make any money (on downloads) as an inde- says. “…Vinyl is a true listening experience, and you won’t get it from any streaming site or digital download.” pendent artist for sure.”

26 ing vinyl records.”

MUSIC | live

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

Jan. 18 - Wednesday Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7:30 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Kevin Galloway Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30-9:30 p.m. free Pelican Cove - Open Mic w/ Stace Shook 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Lovin Ledbetter 7:30 p.m. free

M Bar - Flirt Fridays feat. DJ 901 free Martin’s - A Live One (Phish Tribute) 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Acoustic Crossroads 6 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Chasin’ Dixie 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Spunk Monkees 8 p.m. $5; Jonathon Alexander 10 p.m. free Soulshine, Ridgeland - Stevie Cain 8 p.m.

WonderLust - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.2 a.m.

Soulshine, Ridgeland - Casey Phillips 8 p.m.

WonderLust - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

Jan. 22 - Sunday Burgers & Blues - Jesse Smith Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Doc 36 Skatepark - Doc 36 Benefit feat. Bad Magic, Surfwax, Table Manners, Double Take, Him Horrison, Sage Boy, Drebin, Disco Lemonade & Empty Atlas 2-8 p.m. $10 minimum donation all ages Fusion Coffeehouse - The Musicians 3-5 p.m.

The Hideaway - Mike & Marty’s Jam Session Kathryn’s - The Axe-identals 6 p.m. free Martin’s - American Aquarium 8 p.m. $12 advance $15 door Pelican Cove - Andrew Pates 11 a.m.; Hunter Gibson & Ronnie McGee 4 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m. free Sombra Mexican Kitchen - John Mora 11 a.m.

Table 100 - Jazz Brunch feat.

Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.2 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.

NEW YEAR’S Jan. 19 - Thursday

Burgers & Blues - Robin Blakeney 6 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

CS’s - Deep State, Lisbon Deaths, Bad Magic & Alex Fraser 8 p.m. $5 F. Jones Corner - Blues Challenge w/ Dexter Allen 10 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Doug Hurd 7:30 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Aaron Coker Georgia Blue, Madison - Jason Turner Hal & Mal’s - Taylor Hildebrand Iron Horse Grill - Stevie Cain 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Travelin’ Jane 6:30 p.m. free MS Museum of Art - Museum After Hours feat. Betzenzo 5:30 p.m. free Pelican Cove - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7:30 p.m. free Soulshine, Flowood - Jes Trio 7 p.m.

Sylvia’s - Thursday Night Live feat.

The Blues Man & Sunshine McGhee 9 p.m. free

with

Jan. 21 - Saturday

Risko Danza Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - Eddie Cotton 8 p.m. $10 Anjou - Stevie Cain 6 p.m.

Burgers & Blues - Chris Link & Hunter Gibson 6 p.m.

Duling Hall - Country Showdown 8 p.m. $5 advance $10 door ardenland.net F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $1; Stevie J Blues midnight $10

Stevie J Blues Georgia Blue, Flowood - Kevin Ace Robinson Georgia Blue, Madison - Shaun Patterson Hal & Mal’s - Cary Hudson The Hideaway - Battle of the Band feat. Nirithiam, Shatterframe, The Woodland, Black Heart Remedy & more 9 p.m. $10 Iron Horse Grill - Ben Lewis 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7 p.m. free Martin’s - Flash Bang Art & Music Showcase Vol. 1 feat.

Luzcid, Taboo, MayneLayne & Malignate 10 p.m. $10 Pearl Community Room Mississippi Opry Winter Show feat. Harmony & Grits 6-9 p.m. $10 admission, 18 and under free Pelican Cove - Stace & Cassie 6 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Miles Flatt 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Crocker & Reynolds 3:30 p.m. free; Spunk Monkees 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m. free Soulshine, Flowood - Jason Turner 7 p.m.

1/20 - Irma Thomas - Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Biloxi 1/20 - Lydia Loveless - Proud Larry’s, Oxford 1/21 - Travis Tritt - L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, Baton Rouge 1/24 - Atmosphere - Republic NOLA, New Orleans 1/25 - Cloud Cult - Saturn, Birmingham

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Jan. 23 - Monday Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7:30 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society (rest) 7 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Joseph LaSalla 6:30 p.m. free

Jan. 24 - Tuesday Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson 7:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Andrew Pates 6:30 p.m. free Last Call Sports Grill - Top-Shelf Tuesdays feat. DJ Spoon 9 p.m.

Jan. 25 - Wednesday Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Doug Hurd 7:30 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Zach Lovett Kathryn’s - Jeff Maddox 6:30 p.m. free Pelican Cove - Open Mic w/ Stace Shook 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sid Thompson & DoubleShotz 7:30 p.m. free

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January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

Jan. 20 - Friday Ameristar Bottleneck Blues Bar, Vicksburg - The Anteeks 8 p.m. free Burgers & Blues - Johnnie B. & Iretta Sanders 6 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - The Blues Man 10 p.m. $1; Lucky Hand Blues Band midnight $10 Fitzgerald’s - Ronnie McGee, Roberto Moreira & TJ Hall 7:30 p.m.

Georgia Blue, Flowood - Andy Tanas Georgia Blue, Madison - Shaun Patterson Hal & Mal’s - The Hustlers The Hideaway - Lillian Axe w/ Jason Turner Band 9 p.m. $15 admission $50 VIP Iron Horse Grill - Chris Gill & the Soulshakers 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Bill & Temperance 7 p.m. free

Courtesy Stevie J Blues

3AT $EC s 9pm-2am

27

DIVERSIONS | arts

Joshua Davis: Colors and Cartoons

by Katie Gill

A Advertising in the JFP’s most popular issue of the year—January 25, 2017—is a great investment for your business or organization, whether you’re a Finalist or not!

January 18 - 24 , 2017 • jfp.ms

BEST OF JACKSON offers critical advantages: 1.) Long Shelf-Life. People hold on to Best of Jackson issues for a long time.

2.) Compelling Content. This issue is focused on what’s excellent and authentic about Metro Jackson.

3.) The Ads Aren’t Interruptions. In the Best of Jackson issue, great ads are an important part of the content and civic pride of the issue.

4.) Great Prices! We’ve got special discounts for Best of Jackson advertising and for bundles and packages throughout the year.

5.) Toot Your Horn. Tell our readers about your nominations, wins, and awards you’ve gotten from any source—and thank them for their support!

28

Call 601-362-6121 x11 or write todd@jacksonfreepress.com—but hurry, the deadline is January 20, 2017!

# BOJ 2 0 1 7

Imani Khayyam

WILL YOUR BUSINESS BE IN THE ‘BEST OF JACKSON 2017’?

rt has been in Joshua Davis’ cause paint is messy, and you always have life ever since he was little. He to clean up more with paint rather than started drawing when he was 4 with pencil and markers.” years old.

In summer 2016, his senior art show

“I always saw myself as a cartoonist,” was at Tougaloo College, where he recently he says. “I would draw cartoons all the graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art. time, and that’s what I loved.”

The theme was superheroes, with various

Even at a young age, his art intersected superhero-themed pieces on display. The with pop culture. highlight of the show

“I used to always was a 6-foot-tall superwatch Dragonball Z,” he hero figure made of says. “I would record (the plaster. He designed the show) and freeze it and figure so it could hang try to look at the screen from the ceiling. and draw off of the screen “It actually took me cause back then, you a whole year to do it so know, you really didn’t it has to be my favorite have computers and stuff (piece of art),” he says. like that.”

The figure is the largest

Davis makes much thing that Davis has ever of his work with pendone and, as he explains cil and Copic markers. with a laugh, “It’s in my However, he has expandbackyard right now.” ed into other mediums Davis’ favorite hero such as clay, plaster and is Batman. “I like the paint. Out of those three, whole darkness and dehe is most experienced in tective thing.” paint. “I’ve been paint Despite his like of ing since last year,” he the dark and gritty Batsays. “I just picked up a man, he emphasizes the paintbrush and wanted use of color in his work. to expand my talent, so “Colors are a big I went ahead and started thing in my life,” he says. painting.”

“When you see bright

Over the Christmas colors, you automatically season, Davis expanded get happy. So I would his art to paid portrait want people to look at commissions. While he my art and be like ‘OK, Artwork from artist enjoys those, Davis acwell this guy’s doing this Joshua Davis (top) is knowledges the limits with his heart, and it’s currently on display at Offbeat in Midtown. one has in creating art for making me feel good.’” someone else.

The Jackson native

“You know you has big dreams for his have to get things done future. He says he wants rather than drawing for to eventually start doing yourself,” he says. “I would rather draw for murals on big buildings. myself than do commissions, but commis- Still, he appreciates the people he’s sions pay money.” met along the way. “I feel like if you want

Though he has branched into paint- to do something that your heart is on or ing, Davis still prefers drawing. your mind is on, you continue to work on

“It’s easier for me to use Copic and it,” he says. “I’ve met a lot of great people pencil because painting gets stressful for this summer, this past year, that’ve helped me,” he says. “Drawing is easier because I me get to the point where I am now. So I can see what I can put down, and I know thank them a lot.” where everything goes.”

Joshua Davis’ art is currently on dis Davis also has practical reasons for play at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). For more preferring drawing: “It’s easier to blend col- information, find him on Instagram and ors with Copic markers rather than paint, Facebook.

34 Greyhound station purchase 35 Father of daredevil Robbie Knievel 36 “Modern� museum in London 39 Place to go in England?

40 Piper and Phoebe’s sister, on “Charmed�

43 “___ of the world, unite!�

46 White-furred weasels 48 Easter egg colorer 49 Marathoner’s time units, for short 50 Unnecessary hassle 51 Moved very slowly 52 Gelcaps, say

For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800 655-6548. Reference puzzle #807.

Down

“No Money� —but for you, solve some more problems.

Across

1 Gymnast Dominique 6 Model who married David Bowie 10 No pros 14 Standing bolt upright 15 Broccoli ___ 16 India.___ 17 Amalgam, e.g.

18 Office bigwig, casually 19 Part of the underground economy?

20 Lummox 21 Actor who played the game show host in “Slumdog Millionaire�

23 Gambler’s “strategy�

25 Restaurant supply 26 Descend, in mountaineering 28 Gloomy 30 “___ Pretty� (“West Side Story� song) 31 Godsend 33 “Yeah, right!�

37 Atty. ___ 38 Popular ‘50s haircut (with help on the theme from 54-Across) 41 Sch. founded by Thomas Jefferson 42 1939 movie classic, briefly 44 On the ___ (not on friendly terms) 45 Start over

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7 “Hot 100� magazine 8 Biblical second son 9 Guitar part 10 Bitter Italian aperitif 11 Rigel’s constellation 12 Boys of Bolivia 13 Mystic 21 Natl. League city 22 Springfield Indian 24 “Note to ___ ...�

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Wendy, Nick and Mary Jean Tardo say:

“My daughter loves the Sunday School. We love that you can come as you are and that people who don’t feel they ďż˝it in are warmly welcomed. It’s a great church.â€?

650 E.South Street • Jackson • 601.454.5716 Sunday Services: 10:00am & 6:00pm

BY MATT JONES Last Week’s Answers

“Greater-Than Sudoku�

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

Introducing the New JFP Events Calendar at jfpevents.com

What do you like about St. Alexis?

St. Alexis

Episcopal Church

Last Week’s Answers

53 “Hee Haw� cohost Buck 54 Hot Pitt 55 Gaseous element 56 Smoke an e-cigarette 58 “What ___ is there to say?�

59 Animal seen jumping on a road sign 62 ID checker’s info Š2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

Up-to-date, comprehensive and more mobile-friendly than ever!

For more information on advertising call 601-362-6121 x17

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January 18 - 24 , 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ jfp.ms

BY MATT JONES

47 Khloe Kardashianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex-husband Lamar 49 Dash headlong 50 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finding ___â&#x20AC;?

52 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Musicalâ&#x20AC;? slang term for money 54 Infidelity can signal them (with help on the theme from 38-Across) 57 Alternative to hot or blended 60 Level 61 Little or no effort 62 Bracelet locale 63 Part of AMA 64 Ready to do business 65 V formers 66 Root beer brand 67 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Untouchablesâ&#x20AC;? crimefighter Eliot 68 Chemical term after poly-

29

BULLE TIN BOARD: Classifieds As low as $25!

Digital Media Intern Services Jackson Free Press seeks a part-time digital

media intern for content creation, SEO tasks, website editing and e-mail newsletter creation and support. This paid, hourly position is flexible and can be designed around classwork or other work for the right candidate. Write todd at jacksonfreepress dot com with your resume and your Meet Singles! availability.

Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange CARA Animal Shelter Needs Kennel Workers messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: Community Animal Rescue & Adoption is 800-513-9842 seeking Kennel Workers for its west Jackson animal shelter. Provide direct support to dogs.

Min wage; part-time hours. Requires ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Must be 18 years Part-Time Distribution Manager old with ability to work weekends/holidays. Call The Jackson Free Press seeks a part-time Peggy at 601-922-7575 EOE distribution manager to take ownership of the day-to-day distribution operations of the Jackson Free Press. Your role will be to work Creation Seminar with the Lead Driver and contract drivers to Creation/Evolution Understand the other ensure that the Jackson Free Press, BOOM side of the debate. Jan 29 - Feb 1. Sun 10am Jackson and other contract publications are & 6pm, Mon-Wed 7pm. Springridge Church distributed on-time and efficiently. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also - 3453 Springridge Road Raymond. www. interact with the public, business managers, springridgechurch.com and others to ensure that distribution locations are satisfied with our service and in order Freon Wanted to secure new distribution locations and R12 collecting dust in your garage? We allocate resources effectively. Must be a good buy cylinders and cases of cans of R12 communicator and good presenter as the freon! Call for pickup (312)291-9169 sell@ JFPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main liaison to local distribution partners. refrigerantfinders.com Roughly 30 hours per week, about 2/3 is spent driving and distributing and 1/3 on route management and public interaction. Please send your resume and a cover letter or e-mail to 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 In excellent condition, 158,000 miles, 8 todd@jacksonfreepress.com.

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Post an ad, call 601-362-6121, ext. 11 or fax to 601-510-9019.

Deadline: Mondays at Noon.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

The word â&#x20AC;&#x153;naysayerâ&#x20AC;? describes a person whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s addicted to expressing negativity. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;yeasayer,â&#x20AC;? on the other hand, is a person who is prone to expressing optimism. According to my assessment of the astrological omens, you can and should be a creative yeasayer in the coming daysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both for the sake of your own well-being and that of everyone whose life you touch.

For inspiration, study Upton Sinclairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passage about Beethoven: He was â&#x20AC;&#x153;the defier of fate, the great yea-sayer.â&#x20AC;? His music is â&#x20AC;&#x153;like the wind running over a meadow of flowers, superlative happiness infinitely multiplied.â&#x20AC;?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feeling prosaic, I might refer to a group of flamingos as a flock. But one of the more colorful and equally correct terms is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;flamboyanceâ&#x20AC;? of flamingos. Similarly, a bunch of pretty insects with clubbed antennae and big fluttery wings may be called a kaleidoscope of butterflies. The collective noun for zebras can be a dazzle, for pheasants a bouquet, for larks an exaltation and for finches a charm. In accordance with current astrological omens, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m borrowing these nouns to describe members of your tribe. A flamboyance or kaleidoscope of Pisceans? Yes! A dazzle or bouquet or exaltation or charm of Pisceans? Yes! All of the above.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Are you more attracted to honing group dynamics or liberating group dynamics? Do you have more aptitude as a director who organizes people or as a spark plug that inspires people? Would you rather be a chief executive officer or a chief imagination officer? Questions like these will be fertile for you to meditate on in the coming weeks. The astrological omens suggest itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to explore and activate more of your potential as a leader or catalyst.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

An eccentric Frenchman named Laurent Aigon grew up near an airport, and always daydreamed of becoming a commercial pilot. Sadly, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do well enough in school to fulfill his wish. Yet he was smart and ambitious enough to accomplish the next best thing: assembling a realistic version of a Boeing 737 cockpit in his home. With the help of Google, he gathered the information he needed, and ordered most of the necessary parts over the Internet. The resulting masterpiece has enabled him to replicate the experiences of being a pilot. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a convincing copy that he has been sought as a consultant by organizations that specialize in aircraft maintenance. I suggest you attempt a comparable feat, Taurus: creating a simulated version of what you want. I bet it will eventually lead you to the real thing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

January 18 - 24 , 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ jfp.ms

0RINT AND $IGITAL -ARKETING 2EPRESENTATIVE

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The weather may be inclement where you live, so you may be resistant to my counsel. But I must tell you the meanings of the planetary omens as I understand them, and not fret about whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll act on them. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my prescription, lifted from Henry David Thoreauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Waldenâ&#x20AC;?: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need the tonic of wildness, to wade sometimes in marshes where the bittern and the meadow-hen lurk, and hear the booming of the snipe; to smell the whispering sedge where only some wilder and more solitary fowl builds her nest, and the mink crawls with its belly close to the ground.â&#x20AC;? And why does Thoreau say we need such experiences? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must be refreshed by the sight of inexhaustible vigor, to witness our own limits transgressed.â&#x20AC;?

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Welcome to the most deliciously enigmatic, sensually mysterious phase of your astrological cycle. To provide you with the proper non-rational guidance, I have stolen scraps of dusky advice from the poet Dansk Javlarna (danskjavlarna.tumblr.com). Please read between the lines: 1. Navigate the ocean that roars within the seashell. 2.

Carry the key, even if the lock has been temporarily lost. 3.

Search through the deepest shadows for the bright light that cast them. 4. Delve into the unfathomable in wordless awe of the inexplicable.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

What exactly would a bolt of lightning taste like? I mean, if you could somehow manage to roll it around in your mouth without having to endure the white-hot shock. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a booze manufacturer that claims to provide this sensation.

The company known as Oddka has created â&#x20AC;&#x153;Electricity Vodka,â&#x20AC;? hard liquor with an extra fizzy jolt. But if any sign of the zodiac could safely approximate eating a streak of lightning without the help of Electricity Vodka, it would be you Leos. These days you have a special talent for absorbing and enjoying and integrating fiery inspiration.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Eighteenth-century painter Joshua Reynolds said that a â&#x20AC;&#x153;disposition to abstractions, to generalizing and classification, is the great glory of the human mind.â&#x20AC;? To that lofty sentiment, his fellow artist William Blake responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;To generalize is to be an idiot; to particularize is the alone distinction of merit.â&#x20AC;? So I may be an idiot when I make the following generalization, but I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m right: In the coming weeks, it will be in your best interests to rely on crafty generalizations to guide your decisions. Getting bogged down in details at the expense of the big pictureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;missing the forest for the treesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is a potential pitfall that you can and should avoid.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal penned the novel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dancing Lessons for the Advanced in Age.â&#x20AC;? It consists of one sentence. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long, rambling sentenceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;117 pagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth. It streams from the mouth of the narrator, who is an older man bent on telling all the big stories of his life.

If there were ever to come a time when you, too, would have cosmic permission and a poetic license to deliver a one-sentence, 117-page soliloquy, Libra, it would be in the coming weeks. Reveal your truths! Break through your inhibitions! Celebrate your epic tales! (P.S.: Show this horoscope to the people youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like as your listeners.)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

When Pluto was discovered in 1930, astronomers called it the ninth planet. But 76 years later, they changed their mind. In accordance with shifting definitions, they demoted Pluto to the status of a mere â&#x20AC;&#x153;dwarf planet.â&#x20AC;? But in recent years, two renowned astronomers at Caltech have found convincing evidence for a new ninth planet. Konstantin Batygin and Michael E. Brown are tracking an object that is much larger than Earth. Its orbit is so far beyond Neptuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that it takes 15,000 years to circle the sun. As yet it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an official name, but Batygin and Brown informally refer to it as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Phattie.â&#x20AC;? I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because I suspect that you, too, are on the verge of locating a monumental new addition to your universe.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

The tomato and potato are both nightshades, a family of flowering plants. Taking advantage of this commonality, botanists have used the technique of grafting to produce a pomato plant. Its roots yield potatoes, while its vines grow cherry tomatoes. Now would be a good time for you to experiment with a metaphorically similar creation, Sagittarius. Can you think of how you might generate two useful influences from a single source?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Some guy I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know keeps sending me emails about great job opportunities he thinks Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to apply for: a technical writer for a solar energy company, for example, and a social media intern for a business that offers travel programs. His messages are not spam. The gigs are legitimate. And yet Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not in the least interested. I already have several jobs I enjoy, like writing these horoscopes. I suspect that you, too, may receive worthy but ultimately irrelevant invitations in the coming days, Capricorn. My advice: If you remain faithful to your true needs and desires, more apropos offers will eventually flow your way.

Homework: What part of yourself are you scared of? Is it time to give that part a peace offering? Testify at Freewillastrology.com.

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