v8n49 - JFP Issue: Solar Cars

Vol. 8 | No. 49 // August 19 - 25, 2010

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jacksonian

VOL.

8 NO. 49

contents

Bonding Blues The city and state battle over water infrastructure bonds passed by lawmakers.

JARO VACEK; FILE PHOTO; COURTESY MS SOLAR; HBO/ JOHN P. JOHNSON

JERT-RUTHA CRAWFORD

8

Cover illustration by Kristin Brenemen PHOTOS BY JERRICK SMITH AND MS SOLAR

11

THIS ISSUE: Waste Woes

7..................... Slow Poke 8...............................

Talk

14........................ Editorial 14.......................... Stiggers 14.............................. Zuga 15........................ Opinion 26......................... Hitched 29........................... 8 Days 30.................... JFP Events 32............................

Books

33............................

Music

34.............

Music Listings

36.............................. Food 39............................... Slate 41.............................. Astro 42...............

Fly Shopping

theresa kennedy Theresa Kennedy is an active member in too many Jackson metro organizations to list.

“I want to create my life, not just to let it happen,” she says. “That’s a lot of the reason that I am as involved as I am.”

Kennedy is most active as a board member for the Young Professionals Alliance of Greater Jackson, an organization that hosts monthly luncheons and other social and business events for young professionals. She is also opening an online boutique at the end of the month—all of this while managing a full-time job and an active social life.

When asked how she balances such a busy life, she laughs. The secret, Kennedy confides, is taking catnaps and keeping a detailed calendar.

A graduate of Alcorn State, Kennedy, 30, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and, in 2006, a master’s degree in agricultural sciences with an emphasis in agricultural economics.

After briefly working in South Carolina, she returned to Mississippi. Today, she works as a credit analyst for First South Farm Credit Bank in Ridgeland, and she wears the title “young professional” with pride.

The Moss Point native attributes her success to her parents. Her mother, a teacher, taught her to work selflessly. Her father instilled in her a diligent attitude, sociable nature and an unwillingness to accept mediocrity.

This attitude has pushed Kennedy to work hard to improve the Jackson metro

community for young professionals. From business opportunities to social events to shopping options, when she sees an area of Jackson that could be improved, she does something about it.

As a YPA board member, Kennedy’s responsibilities include building relationships between young professionals and local businesses in the city.

“I think people have a very strong interest in young professionals now because they know that we’re next up,” she says.

On the social scene, Kennedy is involved with the jb Entertainment Group, which hosts social events in Jackson and on the Gulf Coast.

The group’s monthly First Friday and Third Tuesday events provide festive atmospheres at various venues for locals to mingle and have a good time.

Red August, Kennedy’s online boutique, launches Aug. 26, and she will sell accessories, shoes, handbags and jewelry. She classifies her business as global, yet local, because while it is online, it provides many products from local and small-business designers. Customers will be able to shop online at shopredaugust.com or schedule appointments to check out the products in person.

Kennedy enjoys Jackson’s nightlife in her free time. She says the city offers a variety of things to do yet maintains its small feel.

“Jackson is almost like ‘Cheers.’ ... Everyone knows your name,” she says. “I like that personal-ness.”

— Kate Brantley

A court order forces City Council to jump through hoops over wastewater treatment.

16 Solar Logjams Can solar power lead the way to a clean energy future? Not if utilities get their way.

32 Undead Love Sookie Stackhouse and “True Blood” have readers and TV watchers enthralled.

jacksonfreepress.com

7................ Editor’s Note

5

August 19 - 25, 2010

74 9

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by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

Wait: I’ve Heard This Before

R

ecently, someone sent me a link to a site set up about the old white-supremacist Citizen’s Council (citizenscouncil. com)—a supposedly upstanding racist group that famed newspaper editor Hodding Carter Jr. called the “uptown Klan.”

The Citizens Council played a central role during our state’s recent dark past. This group of merchants and community leaders formed to fight integration and help fuel the hatred that drove the violence of the Klan (while claiming not to want anything to do with violence). Its members staged boycotts and smear campaigns against businesses and individuals who dared speak out against white supremacy, or who just allowed black people to use their public restrooms or dine alongside white people. If you were a white person vaguely in favor of ending the state’s legally enforced segregation, the Citizens Council spread rumors about you and tried to run you out of town, or business, or both.

It was a hateful outfit.

The relatively new site, run by academic and Council expert Edward H. Sebesta (who has outed politicians who have pandered to the revamped group, the Council of Conservative Citizens), is a remarkable educational tool. It brings reality about our own state and city—the national Council headquarters were in downtown Jackson—directly to our monitors, straight from the horse’s mouth.

Most interesting, you can read PDFs of the Citizens Council “newspaper” (published at 203 Wathall Hotel) on the site. In the PDFs, you can see a lot of names and rhetoric that really hit home. It can be a scary proposition for a younger person from this area; just what family member might turn up in the pages of the Citizens Council paper (either supporting

its work, or being blasted by it)?

I’ve read a lot of old Citizens Council rhetoric, and I’ve poured through the Mississippi Sovereignty Commission files (now also online; just Google them and brace yourself for rampant stupidity, especially the so-called “intelligence” reports where amateur, statefunded spies combed the state looking for someone who supported race-mixing).

We’re just lucky these idiots didn’t have the Internet: They would have been the original hate-bloggers, spreading lies and innuendo about those who dared question their hate, often hiding behind “anonymous” labels.

But I’ve seen the Citizens Council stuff before, so no real surprise.

What struck me this time, when looking at those PDFs, is just how closely the rhetoric reflects what we’re hearing right now out of teapartiers and the worst of the right wing. When you click to the first Council paper, dated October 1955 (a year after the Brown v. Board of Education decision united white supremacists throughout the South), you see excuse-making headlines like “Mississippi Citizens’ Councils are Protecting Both Races.” In it, Thomas R. Waring writes: “Citizens Councils, 60,000 strong and growing fast, are mobilizing Mississippi to guard both whites and Negroes.”

Yeah, right.

He continues: “Their aim is to preserve separation of the races against assaults from”— now, wait for it—“the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, in alliance with the federal government.” The article then lies and says that the Councils also want to protect blacks from “ruffian white people who may resort to violence.” (Actually, they helped disseminate information about how to find “integrationists.”) It also denies that the

Citizens Council pushed for economic boycotts and redress against said “liberals.” Snort.

You also learn very quickly what the phrase “state’s rights” means and has always meant. It’s part of the Citizens Council’s logo: “For a free people under constitutional government,” it declares, referring to an interpretation of the Constitution that allows denial of rights and redress to African Americans.

A reprinted column, “NAACP Witch Doctors,” by then-Clarion-Ledger columnist Tom Ethridge starts: “The NAACP and their associates, seeking to exploit the unfortunate (Emmett) Till affair, have dug deeper into their bag of tricks. In a sense, they have reverted to ancient tribal instincts.” Why this blast at the NAACP? Because they dared argue that the state of Mississippi was in part responsible for Till’s death because our “clergy, press and citizenry” didn’t do enough to stop such race violence. Another unsigned column was called, “NAACP Sows Seeds of Hate.”

Sound familiar? Recent?

I happened to dip into this Council history right after some tea-party members, helped along by their lapdog media, started a hate campaign against the NAACP because it dared call out the party for unabashedly harboring racists and racism in its ranks. Suddenly, here I was reading very similar rants against that group, the “liberal” press (like their rants against Hodding Carter) who dared oppose them and warnings about “communist China.” Anybody who dared question them were liberals (then meant “integrationist”), communists or spreading race hatred themselves.

Thank God this group no longer has a stranglehold on Jackson and Mississippi. (The Council’s Bill Simmons was quoted as saying that he knew where every white Jacksonian stood on the “race question,” although he denied it to me late in his life.) Why would we ever purposefully live in such a hell again?

But look around. Since President Obama took office, there are people all over the country openly pushing hate. They are throwing around the word “communist” for about anything except real communists (you know, like communist China); they are using the old Council trick of slamming the NAACP and anyone else who calls out racism by calling them “racist”; they are trying to repeal the 14th Amendment; they use crime to spread fear about cities (where they often don’t have a voting base); they are trying to scare “good” Americans by generalizing about Muslims and “illegals,” acting like any mosque is a terrorism hub and every immigrant is here to steal a job and deposit “anchor babies” all over the place.

Just like the Citizens Council, these people are lying to us. They are spreading hate and fear, and they are dividing our state and our nation. (Thankfully, they no longer have a stranglehold on our city.) And they are using nearly the same rhetoric of old and even focusing on the same bogeymen. Just go look at citizenscouncil.com if you don’t believe me.

Adam Lynch Award-winning senior reporter Adam Lynch is a Winona native and graduate of Jackson State.

He and his family live in North Jackson. E-mail tips to adam@ jacksonfreepress.com, or call him at 601-362-6121, ext. 13. He wrote the cover story.

Kristin Brenemen Editorial designer Kristin Brenemen is a local anime otaku with an ever-full mug of coffee and cream. She fears the inevitable Robot Apocalypse but is prepared for the oncoming Zombie Invasion. She designed the cover and many pages in this issue.

Katie Bonds Editorial intern Katie Bonds has a master’s from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s from Rhodes College. She is a Madison native, now living in Belhaven.

She enjoys reading everything, writing, and running the hills of Belhaven. She wrote Hitched.

Natalie A. Collier BOOM Jackson and JFP associate editor Natalie A. Collier is originally from Starkville and a graduate of Millsaps. She lived in Chicago for a while, but is now back in Jackson. She’s not easy to impress. Try. She coordinated the Fly feature.

Jo Barksdale Food writer Jo Barksdale, who has authored one cookbook and co-authored three, says one of her greatest accomplishments was earning her bachelor’s in English from USM as a “senior citizen.”

She wrote a food piece.

ShaWanda Jacome Assistant to the editor ShaWanda Jacome a Pepperdine University alum, loves her dog Duchess, dislikes green peas and can’t wait until “Glee” comes back to TV this fall because Sue Sylvester is hilarious! She wrote the books feature.

Valerie Wells Valerie Wells is a freelance writer who lives in Hattiesburg. She writes for regional publications.

Follow her on Twitter at sehoy13.

She wrote a music piece.

Latasha Willis Events editor Latasha Willis is a native Jacksonian, a graduate of Tougaloo College and the proud mother of one cat. Her JFP blog is “The Bricks That Others Throw,” and she sells design pieces at zazzle.com/reasontolive.

jacksonfreepress.com

editor’snote

7

news, culture & irreverence

Judge Houston Patton is running for his third term. p 10

Jackson Singled Out for Bond ‘Lobbying’ JARO VACEK

Wednesday, August 11 Cathy Guisewite announces plans to end her comic strip, “Cathy.” … Authorities capture the “Granddad Bandit,” Michael Mara, 53, in Baton Rouge; he is suspected of robbing 25 banks in 13 states, including Mississippi.

In 2008, the U.S. Energy Information Administration ranked Mississippi 16th in the nation for individual energy consumption by at 403.24 million Btu per capita. Wyoming got the number-one spot at 1.016 trillion Btu per capita, and New York came in 51st at only 204.86 million Btu per capita.

Thursday, August 12 The Obama administration grants asylum to a Mexican woman who was sexually abused and battered by her common-law husband; the decision clarifies the standard that domestic-abuse victims must meet to win asylum. … Nearly 1,000 people pay their respects to fallen Jackson Police Officer Glen Agee, killed Aug. 6 after responding to a domestic-violence call.

Friday, August 13 President Obama endorses a mosque near ground zero in New York City, saying the country’s founding principles demanded no less. … Gov. Haley Barbour’s office announces that BP will pay for a TV special hosted by former “Baywatch” star David Hasselhoff to promote the state.

Saturday, August 14 President Obama and his family visit Panama City, Fla. At a city meeting, Obama says that oil cleanup efforts are not finished, and he “will not be satisfied until the environment is restored.” … The Red Cross launches the ‘Neighbor to Neighbor’ mental-health program to help people cope with the emotional toll of the oil disaster.

Sunday, August 15 Gen. David Petraeus begins a campaign to convince the public that the Americanled coalition can still succeed in Afghanistan, and argues against abrupt withdrawal of forces in July 2011. … Elvis Presley fans make the annual pilgrimage to Graceland in Memphis for a candlelight vigil.

August 19 - 25, 2010

Monday, August 16 After three decades of economic growth, China passes Japan in the second quarter to become the world’s second-largest economy behind the United States. … Gov. Haley Barbour says he’s creating a group to examine the impact of the BP oil spill and devise a recovery and development plan for the state’s coastal region.

8

Tuesday, August 17 Officials, including Gov. Haley Barbour and Sen. Thad, gather to dedicate a $118 million expansion and renovation of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.

After water pipes burst in Jackson last winter, the Legislature passed a bill to provide $6 million in bond funds to the city to upgrade the pipes.

T

he Mississippi Legislature singled out Jackson as the only municipality that needed to submit an application to and lobby the state Bond Commission in order to receive a loan that the lawmakers had promised the city.

Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration spokeswoman Kym Wiggins told the Jackson Free Press that the city did not complete an application for a $6 million water and sewer infrastructure bond that the Legislature approved during the last session.

“At the time of the July 12 (Bond) Commission meeting, there was no grant application on file for the City of Jackson,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins also confirmed that the Legislature took the unusual step of adding the application component, which she called “exclusive” to Jackson. A review of the 2010 bond legislation, H.B. 1701, reveals that while the legislation stipulates that businesses seeking loans from the Mississippi Development Bank must submit applications to the commission, it demands no application requirement from other municipalities and projects.

Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. was shocked to learn about the new requirement last month, saying: “No one from the bond commission’s office has made any contact with the city at all. I’m sorry the severity of the water

by Adam Lynch

system issue that the capital city faces is not apparently recognized by the bond commission. We were counting on these dollars.”

The requirement for Jackson to lobby the Mississippi Development Authority is in the legislation listing all approved bonds, however, in Section 44 on page 213. “The city of Jackson must submit an application to the MDA. The application must include a description of the purpose for which assistance is requested, the amount of assistance requested and any other information required by the MDA,” the legislation states. It also specified that the bond money must go to city projects near state-owned or operated buildings or roads.

No one from the state reached out to the city to inform them that the city was subject to a special application requirement, Johnson said: “We’ve had bond issues before. Farish Street was about a $6 million bond from early in my first administration, which the bond commission approved. The only difference was the make-up of the bond commission.”

As a result of the confusion, the State Bond Commission did not address the interest-free $6 million loan the state Legislature approved during the regular legislative session. The unexpected absence of the money prompted Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., to ask the Commission to consider the bond.

Wiggins said the vote could not go forward with bond stipulations unfilled.

BONDS, see page 9

Them’s Fightin’Words BUTT

unfair

“From what I can ascertain, the court is forcing its will upon the city of Jackson in an unfair way.” —Jackson Ward 1 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba regarding Judge Swan Yerger’s Aug. 12 order to change water-treatment vendors.

G

ov. Haley Barbour and House Education Chairman Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, spar over a $26 billion federal bill the U.S. House passed last week, providing Mississippi with 2,000 teaching jobs and expanding Medicaid benefits.

“There is no justification for the federal government hijacking state budgets, but that is exactly what Congress has done.”

-Barbour

“We have lots of time to work through this, and for the governor to jump out and say we don’t want to do this because it’s bad for the budget is stupid, just to be honest with you.”

-Brown

talk

news, culture & irreverence

BONDS, from page 8

FILE PHOTO

“It would have been inappropriate for the MDA because the legislation required they give an amount and a specific project, and that project had to be in accord with the way the statute is written with projects located in and around state buildings,” Wiggins said.

City spokesman Chris Mims confirmed that the city had failed to submit an application to the MDA prior to the July 12 Bond Commission vote, but said the city has since submitted a request for application information. “We have sent a letter to MDA requesting the funds and whatever process we have to go through,” Mims said. “We have asked them to let us know what they need.”

When asked for a copy of the application the city should complete, Wiggins said she was unfamiliar with a template for such an application and referred questions to the MDA, which did not immediately return calls.

Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, said he had never encountered such a requirement during his legislative career, and took issue with an Aug. 11 statement State Treasurer Tate Reeves made to The Clarion-Ledger. Reeves told the Ledger that the city must defend the bond request before the commission. In a statement to the Ledger, Reeves demanded answers to questions including: “How (does the city) plan to fund the other improvements that have largely been ignored for many years?” and “Is federal money available to help fund some of these enhancements?” and “If so, has the city been diligent in ensuring that all federal sources were applied for and deadlines were met?” among a host of other requests.

Reeves said that the commission’s July 12 decision not to consider the $6 million interest-free bond proposal is testament to the state’s continuing effort to reduce its debt, and described the process of bond beneficiaries sitting down with Reeves and his office prior to the bond vote as “pretty standard procedure,” under his administration.

“In the first four years the governor and I were in office, we had less debt on the books at the end of that four-year period than we had in the beginning, and we completely curbed the growth of our debt burden. We didn’t do that by running around, chasing people and begging them to take money,” Reeves said,

adding: “”I don’t know what they did prior to my seven years in office, but this is the way we do it now.”

Brown said Reeves implies through these remarks that he has veto authority over the project by not including it in the agenda.

“He’s saying they have the authority to decide whether or not it’s a worthy project. I don’t think they’ve got that authority, or should have it,” Brown said. “‘... He can ask for any information he wants, but he cannot make a decision that the project should not be funded, which seems to be what he is talking about.”

Brown added: “The bill is very specific about the steps that MDA must go through, and also very clear that MDA is the authority, not Tate Reeves, not the Bond Commission.

So Tate Reeves speaking on behalf saying he wasn’t given the information—there’s nothing in this bill that gives him the authority to even ask for the information.”

Reeves said the bonds have a four-year window, and that the commission could still decide the issue since it had not yet voted down the project. “I do look forward to meeting the city officials to better understand exactly what they plan to do with the money in the event that commission gives it to them,” he said.

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said in an Aug. 13 statement that he is requesting fellow bond commissioners Gov. Haley Barbour and Reeves to set a special session on the matter and include the bonds on their September bond meeting agenda: “The Executive Branch cannot ignore the laws passed by the Legislature,” Hood said in a statement. “However, the statute also requires the city of Jackson to submit an application to MDA for such loans, which they have not done. Until the city of Jackson applies for the funds, and MDA approves the application, the Bond Commission cannot act.”

In the meantime, the city may have to re-configure its budget to reflect new interest rates that would not have been included in the state loan. The re-appropriation could force the city to raise water and sewer rates.

Malachi Group Inc. President and CEO Porter Bingham, who is a contracted financial adviser for the city, estimated the new interest rate to be 3.4 percent, which amounts to an annual $204,000 in added fees

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Duling School.

jacksonfreepress.com

C

hip Matthews, owner of the nightclub Fire, wants to bring spice to downtown every day of the week. On Aug. 4, Matthews opened Fuego, a Mexican restaurant, in the former sports bar adjoining Fire. Fuego serves a variety of Mexican dishes, including steak fajitas and huevos chorizo, from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., all week.

Restaurant-goers will soon be able to take advantage of a balcony overlooking State Street, as well as music performed on both inFuego, a new Mexican door and outdoor stages. Matthews says he wants to book smaller acts restaurant, will for the restaurant, and feature open-mic nights on Wednesdays. adjoin Fire on Jackson-area restaurateur Bill Latham, whose past ventures South State Street, include Char and Amerigo, is planning a new restaurant for the Duling and another new restaurant School development in Fondren. Details on the restaurant are scarce for rumored to be now, though, although rumor has it that it will be Mexican.

Mexican will “[W]e’ve signed the lease; it’s a done deal,” Latham said. open in Fondren’s Fuego is located at 318 South State St., 601-592-1000.

9

judgedish

by Ward Schaefer

Ward Schaefer

A System that Works

preliminary motions for circuit court cases. What do you think of that idea?

Well, county court is pretty busy itself, and to dump that on the county court would be kind of an injustice. We have our own load. Just for instance here, between January of ’09 and May of 2010 alone, just in civil court alone, over 11,000 cases were filed. During that same period of time, I disposed of almost 2,300 of those cases.

And that was coming to trial, heard and a decision rendered on. So we don’t have time to sit here and twiddle our thumbs.

Hinds County Court Judge Houston Patton has served District 2 since 1989.

J

udge Houston Patton isn’t used to competition. Since first winning election as Hinds County Court judge in 1989, Patton has had no opponents for the District 2 seat. But this year is different; the Jackson native is facing two challengers in November: Bridgett Clayton and Henry Clay.

Patton grew up in the tightly knit community around Tougaloo College where he attended Tougaloo Preparatory School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication at Fresno State University in 1965, and after working as a Head Start administrator for Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties, Patton attended law school at Southern University in Baton Rouge, graduating in 1972.

He worked for Community Legal Services in Jackson for six years before entering private practice. Currently the senior judge for Hinds County Court, Patton handles civil cases, though he previously spent 10 years in the youth court.

Patton is an avid golfer, though modest about his skills. He lives in the Presidential Hills neighborhood in northwest Jackson with his wife.

(As senior judge, I made the) assignment at the last election, so I left Youth Court.

I was at Youth Court, and then I assigned Judge (Bill) Skinner to Youth Court, and I came to County Court.

How long have you been over the civil division?

For the last four years, the last term.

A number of candidates want county court judges to function likes federal magistrates, hearing

Why did you decide to leave youth court?

Well, the reason I had to leave youth court was simply because I made an assignment for Judge (William) Barnett to preside over the criminal division and Judge Skinner to preside over the civil division, and I was going to remain in youth court.

Then, of course, after my order was entered, there was an exchange of orders between those two judges assigning the civil cases to Judge Barnett and the criminal cases to Judge Skinner.

And at that time, I came back the next day and did an order transferring Judge Skinner to youth court, and I took over the civil division and reassigned Judge Barnett to the criminal division. And as senior judge that’s within the statutory powers of the senior judge. So that’s what I did. That’s why I’m up here today.

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What sort of administrative changes are needed to speed up the docket in county court?

I think we’ve pretty well got a good handle on it. The system that’s in place works very good. The only thing is if lawyers cooperate and everybody works together, it goes along well. The wheel is not broken in county court so there’s no point in trying to fix it.

But it would be a problem to hear some preliminary motions for circuit court cases in county court?

Well, yeah, if you take part of the workload from circuit court and dump it on us, that’s going to create a heavier workload for the judges here.

How does the rotation system compare to the current system?

To me, it was a better system in that you didn’t get stuck in one area all the time.

When you rotated among all three divisions, you kind of stayed alert of what was going on. This way, you kind of get stuck in the one area and you lose sight of what’s going on in the other areas.

When did the rotation system stop?

After Judge (Chet) Henley passed, and Judge (Bobby) DeLaughter came on, that’s when the system stopped.

Did the senior judge make that decision at the time?

There were some problems that happened to pop up, and the only way we could handle them was to assign people to certain divisions.

What were the problems?

I forgot what the problems were. I just know there were some problems.

Could the county go back to it?

Yeah, it’s left up to the discretion of the senior judge.

You’re the senior judge. Are you thinking next time about reinstituting the rotation system?

Well, it depends on how the elections in November come out. I might not be here in November, because I have two opponents. I don’t want to speculate on what may happen on Nov. 3 so I’ll reserve comment on that.

What are your goals for another term?

The same as they’ve always been: run the court system; be fair and equal and courteous to all the people that are involved in it. And to do what the court system is cut out to be.

What are you proud of in the time you’ve served thus far?

When you’re out somewhere, and an adult walks up to you and says, “I know you don’t remember me, but I came through youth court, and I asked you for a second opportunity. You gave me that opportunity. I no longer have to run from the police. I now have my own paint company, and I have employed three other people.”

Or another guy comes up and says, “Hey, you don’t remember me, but I asked you for that second chance, and you gave me that second chance. Now I’m a city manager.” … Those are things that make you feel good.

by Ward Schaefer

file photo

City Fights Wastewater Order

The Jackson City Council voted last week to remove Socrates Garrett’s joint venture, Jackson Water Partners, from the city’s wastewater contract.

T

he City of Jackson has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court to stay an Aug. 12 court order requiring it to transfer its wastewater treatment contract to a new provider. The city’s motion, filed Tuesday, argues that the city should retain its current provider, Jackson Water Partners, until the Supreme Court resolves a lawsuit filed by another company, United Water Services, over the city’s bidding process.

“It’s not in anyone’s best interest to transfer operators until the Supreme Court has had what will be the final say on this process,” City Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen said Tuesday. “It seems like with several unresolved questions, it makes sense to continue the status quo until all the questions are resolved. It makes sense from a taxpayer standpoint, from an efficiency standpoint.

I don’t think the city wants to be flip-flopping between providers.”

The City Council met Friday to comply with the Aug. 12 order from Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Swan Yerger, which threatened council members with jail time if they did not switch the contract to United Water. Yerger ruled in June that the city broke state law when it awarded the contract to Jackson Water Partners over New Jersey-based United Water.

After receiving the order the afternoon of Aug. 12, Teeuwissen rushed to notify Council President Frank Bluntson of the need to call an emergency council meeting. State law requires public bodies to announce emergency meetings at least 24 hours beforehand.

Teeuwissen advised council members that they had to comply with Yerger’s order to avoid a contempt of court citation.

“The judge has acknowledged that the city has a right to appeal his decision, but as opposed to maintaining the status quo during appeal, he’s also ordered us to change providers during that appeal,” Teeuwissen said. “That puts everyone—the city and the two providers—in an awkward position.”

Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba, the only member to vote against the transition, said before voting that while he did not have an opinion on the relative merits of the two companies, he objected to the court’s order.

“My problem, of course, is with us being told what we have to do by the court and not having sufficient time to do it,” Lumumba said. “From what I can ascertain, the court is forcing its will upon the city of Jackson in an unfair way,” he added.

Council awarded Jackson Water Partners, a joint venture of Pennsylvania-based Severn Trent Services and Jackson-based Garrett Enterprises, the wastewater contract Nov. 10, 2008, after a lengthy bid process.

Later that month, United Water Services appealed the city’s decision, arguing that it had submitted the lowest bid and that city officials had allowed Jackson Water Partners to submit a revised proposal after publicizing the terms of United Water’s bid.

United Water’s proposal would have cost the city between $1.83 and $2.6 million over five years, while Jackson Water Partners’ final proposed contract would cost between $2.6 and $3.4 million. Jackson Water Partners’ first proposal carried a higher price tag of roughly $4.7 million, however, and Public Works Director Thelman Boyd initially recommended to council that it approve a contract with United Water but later changed his advice.

At the Nov. 10, 2008, meeting, Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill asked Boyd why he recommended a contract that cost roughly $800,000 more than the lowest bid. Boyd responded that because Severn Trent was the city’s previous wastewatertreatment firm, Jackson Water Partners’ experience with the city’s system made it more qualified.

“(S)ince cost is only a portion of it, you’re trying to get the most qualified person and the company that we had the marriage with for the last 20 years, in my opinion in making recommendation, is the one that probably knows best,” Boyd said.

Socrates Garrett, owner of Garrett Enterprises, did not return a call for comment.

In its lawsuit, United Water alleged that the city violated state law by disclosing its bid and giving Jackson Water Partners an opportunity to beat it.

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon said after Friday’s meeting that she hopes the city will win approval of its decision on appeal. Factors beyond the price of the contract, like Jackson Water Partners’ minority participation, also figured in the city’s decision, she said.

“This wasn’t a fly-by-night decision.

We worked for weeks and weeks and weeks on this, and we heard one proposal after another,” Barrett-Simon said. “I hope that we can prevail in court and that the decision we made will be upheld.”

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citytalk

11

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W

ard 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes was clearly guarded about imposing new regulation for personalcare homes at the Monday Jackson City Council Planning Committee meeting.

Stokes, the committee chairman, asked the city’s legal department to investigate the possibility of imposing stricter zoning requirements for personal-care homes, which currently can open in any city zone with a residential R-1 designation. Stokes told city legal that he wanted to contain personalcare homes to a more restrictive R-5 zone, the same zoning requirement for retirement homes or medical facilities. Stokes also asked city attorneys to search city case law for records of successful courtroom opposition to zone requirements the city attempted to pass in prior years.

“We need to create an ordinance that’s going to hold personal-care home owners responsible,” Stokes said.

Cassandra Welchlin, president of the Capital Neighborhood Association, told the committee that association members worry that too many businesses following the state’s personal-care home definitions don’t have to adhere to state requirements or supervision, thanks to a loophole in state law.

“There are two more personal-care homes trying to open in our neighborhood, but we don’t want any more to open because

we’re already over-saturated with personalcare homes,” Welchlin said. “We don’t want any more opening because the state can’t regulate the homes already there, and many of them do not have to follow state law or state requirements.”

City Deputy Attorney Azande Williams told members of the committee that the city recorded a total of 21 unlicensed personalcare homes inside city limits. This number does not include another 13 personal-care homes containing four or more residents that require a state license to operate. Almost all the 34 personal-care homes Williams counted reside within Ward 5.

The Mississippi Department of Health publishes an exhaustive 39-page document outlining minimum standards for businesses providing residents with one or more daily assisted-living services, including “bathing, walking, excretory functions, feeding, personal grooming and dressing,” according to MDH. State law watchdogs every aspect of running a personal care home; however, those Department of Health standards do not apply to small personal-care homes such as the kind blooming in West Jackson.

“Those homes don’t have to be licensed if they have three or under occupants,” said Nancy Whitehead of the Mississippi Department of Health’s Regulation and Licensure Division. “If you have a problem (with a

personal care home), you have to call the Department of Human Services, but there are no regulations on them.”

Attorney General Jim Hood, whose Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes personal-care home violations, receives about 1,600 complaints a year on alleged violations, and is in the middle of about 200 ongoing investigations in Jackson.

Hood said incomplete state regulations leave too much room for misconduct from assisted-living businesses with three or less residents. “If you’re taking care of people in a home anywhere, whether it is a nursing home or anything, it should be a requirement that it be licensed,” Hood said in July. “The health department would then come in and decide if the conditions are proper for someone to be there. ... [T]hat’s a loophole that needs to be closed.”

Hood added that the state health department had only a handful of individuals overseeing the licensed facilities, much less the unregulated smaller businesses: “They’re already stretched as it is,” Hood said.

Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman agreed with Welchlin that there appeared to be a “concentration” of those types of businesses in his ward, and backed Stokes’ call to create a city ordinance that would regulate the smaller assisted-living businesses that fall through the state’s regulation cracks.

Stokes said he wanted to make sure any new local regulation does not step on the toes of state law, however. Deputy City Attorney James Anderson said legal staff would look into the possibility of local regulation, and suggested that there could be room for enforcement since the state does not appear to impose any regulation of its own.

The city’s police or fire department may enforce the regulations, with the help of the city’s Department of Human and Cultural Services. Fire Marshal Johnnie McDonald told the committee this morning that the fire department regularly inspects only the personal-care homes that are licensed by the state, and has no interaction with the smaller, unregulated businesses.

publiceye

by Ward Schaefer

A Wired (And Open) City Hall?

leading the city’s adoption of the new technologies, says that JACKSTAT will be able to produce reports showing how long it takes the city to address complaints and issues.

With that information, city officials can set clear goals for improving services, Mims says.

The Public Works Department could aim to reduce the time it takes to repair a water main from four days to three, for example.

Mims says that he hopes to bring a contract for the 311 software to the Jackson City

Council “in the next several weeks,” but it will take longer for the city to start using all the capabilities of JACKSTAT and 311.

“It’s going to be a shift in culture,” he said. “We’re going to have get people trained and acclimated to it, but I think that probably, given a year or so after implementation, we’ll be able to generate all sorts of reports.”

While JACKSTAT and 311 can make Jackson’s government more efficient, similar technologies can also help make it more transparent. Jackson’s 311 system should ultimately allow citizens to track their own service requests, Mims says. A Web startup called SeeClickFix already allows citizens to tag “issues” in their hometown using Google Maps, but it relies on those citizen users to update the issues with any progress. Jackson’s system would show residents what steps city workers took to address their complaints.

Public works are just one area in which new technology and data-collection can promote greater transparency, though. If city leaders make more of their electronic data— culled from 311 and JACKSTAT—available to the public, planners, media organizations, engineers and civic-minded software developers can transform it into useful applications that city government does not have the time, interest or ability to create.

J

After New York City began publishing scheduling data for its transit system earlier this year, third-party software developers were able to put together applications that locate buses and trains in real-time.

Computer-savvy citizens in San Francisco worked with the city’s Department of Public Works to develop a smart-phone application that catalogs the almost 65,000 trees in the city. Users can walk up to a tree and learn its species name and those of its neighbors.

While San Francisco and New York City are renowned hotbeds of technology and innovation, groups in Jackson are just as eager to use the wealth of municipal data that JACKSTAT and 311 would amass.

The Jackson Community Design Center is currently seeking grant funding for research that would harness some of the same information as the city initiatives. The project, City4D, would use GIS to compile census data with zoning and planning information to create a digital model of Jackson, accessible to anyone with a computer or smart phone. Planners and developers could use the model to study how potential building projects might affect the city. And, like 311, the model would be interactive, giving citizen users a chance to view and offer input on planning decisions before they’re made.

pa i d a dv e rt i s e m e n t

ackson is about to experience more than an R&B flashback, but a concert that will give all the ladies, and even guys, a reason to get out of the house.

The Ladies Night Concert Tour, featuring the musical stylings of Avant, Ginuwine and Jagged Edge, will take place Saturday, October 2 starting at 8 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex. Tickets go on sale August 20 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster locations (The Mississippi Coliseum and BeBop Records), online at www.ticketmaster.com; or, you can charge tickets by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Although Avant is an acclaimed songwriter with credits that include old school legends Ronald Isley of Isley Brothers and the Gap Band’s Charlie Wilson, he’s not afraid to cover another writer’s material, especially if it allows him to bring his own style. Such is the case with Avant’s rendition of Christopher Cross’s multiple Grammy winning “Sailing,” originally recorded in 1980. A new school balladeer and songwriter with an unwavering respect for those who set the way, Avant’s platinum debut “My Thoughts” established him as one of R&B’s breakout singer/songwriters. His string of platinum smashes – he’s sold over three million albums total – continued with 2003’s “Private Room” and “The Director” (2006), which boasted “Lie About Us” and “You Know What.”

Ginuwine returns to the forefront of the music world after a four-year hiatus from making records; he’s back in the saddle with strong material and his trademarked style. Ginuwine first emerged in the music scene in 1996 with the multi-platinum disc “The Bachelor.” “Pony,” his first single, peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks for two weeks in late 1996, and reached number six in Billboard’s Hot 100. “I’ve matured a lot since I was last on the scene in 2005,” Ginuwine says. “I’m trying to take it back to the blueprint that Marvin Gaye and other soul legends designed.”

Joining Ginuwine and Avant during the Ladies Night Out Concert at the Jackson Convention Complex will be Jagged Edge, a group that released their first album, “A Jagged Era,” in 1998. The album went gold and spawned the Top 20 R&B and Top 40 Pop Hit “Gotta Be.” Their next single, “He Can’t Love U,” appeared in the fall of 1998 and propelled the group into international fame and stardom. The single reached the Top 5 on the R&B chart, Top 20 on the Pop chart, and went Gold in the process. Fast-forward to 2009, Jagged Edge announced they were signed to Slip-N-Slide Records with a hotly anticipated comeback album, “The Remedy,” set for release September 28, 2010. The Jagged Edge that sold 8 million records, won countless awards, and gained impressive nominations is headed on a new path.

Make new memories and reminisce old ones at this highly anticipated concert in Jackson featuring great R&B artists! Remember: tickets go on sale Friday, August 20, at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster locations.

jacksonfreepress.com

tickets written and miles driven, for example—and reviews them at a weekly meeting.

JACKSTAT would expand that regular review of data to the city’s other departments, giving Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and his staff objective data that can reveal inefficiencies in city operations.

City spokesman Chris Mims, who is KRISTIN BRENEMEN

J

ackson doesn’t have a reputation for being a particularly tech-savvy place, but this fall, city government will begin changing that image. City hall is poised to adopt two new technologies that will—hopefully—improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the city’s police, fire and public works departments, among others.

The first, 311, is a citizen complaint system already widely used across the country that system will allow residents to report potholes, open fire hydrants and other nuisances by calling a hotline or visiting a city website. The 311 system automatically logs service requests and transmits work orders to the relevant city department. It also pinpoints the location of requests using a mapping technology known as geographic information systems, or GIS. Using GIS, the system could create a map of every fire hydrant in the city. Citizens and city workers could use the map to discern patterns in water issues that might be difficult to see otherwise.

The second, JACKSTAT, is modeled after statistical accountability systems in Baltimore, New York City and the Jackson Police Department’s own Comstat process. JPD collects data on the relevant activities of its various divisions—arrests, crimes reported,

13

jfp op/ed

opining, grousing & pontificating

EDITORIAL

State Officials: Respect Jackson

J

ackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discovered last month that State Treasurer Tate Reeves wants details of every aspect of a $6 million state loan.

Without that information, Reeves said that the state Bond Commission staff never put the loan on the agenda for the commission to vote on.

Gov. Haley Barbour then grabbed a calculator and told Johnson the obvious in an Aug. 16 letter that the $6 million loan would not fix all of Jackson’s problems, and suggested the city get a 1.9 percent interest loan to fix them, instead of turning to the state for that bad ol’ $6 million interest-free loan.

First of all, the city should have read the legislation that Barbour signed in April, or at least the part pertaining to Jackson. Then they would’ve known about the “exclusive” (for Jackson) application requirement and wouldn’t be playing catch-up weeks after the commission withheld its vote.

However, any Jackson resident should be concerned that local legislators claim they have never seen this application requirement in any other state bond going to a municipality during their legislative career.

Rep. Cecil Brown of Jackson ridiculed Reeves’ self-stated authority that the city must justify its need for the loan—as if the unworking Capitol toilets back in January didn’t already say plenty. Furthermore, why is this kind of scrutiny even necessary when the state is getting its money back? This is not free money. This is a loan.

This situation harkens back to the days of Mayor Melton, when the Legislature refused to pass a bill allowing city voters to hold a referendum vote to increase our sales tax to support public-safety salaries and infrastructure repairs, unless a commission—containing non-Jackson residents—oversaw the money.

At the time, former Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore said the only way to get legislators to agree to the referendum was to essentially take the money out of the hands of city government. But what’s the reason for the state’s hesitation now? Voters came to their senses and booted Melton out of office.

Mayor Johnson is no Frank Melton. Johnson has proved himself capable of funding a city budget—by balancing it in the face of millions in lost revenue.

We don’t like Treasurer Reeves’ patronizing tone, either. He told media outlets that the city has to answer questions about whether or not it did everything it could to get federal grants for the infrastructure work, and that it had to answer questions about what it was doing for water pipes not covered by the loan.

State officials have no right or need to patronize Mayor Johnson or the city’s leadership, or play political games with the capital city’s water needs. It’s time for consistency. If these kinds of bonds do not require follow-up lobbying for other municipalities, then it should not for Jackson.

KEN STIGGERS

This Funky Society

August 19 - 25, 2010

M

14

r. Announcement: “In the ghetto criminal justice system, the people are represented by members of the Ghetto Science Community: police officer and part-time security guard at the Funky Ghetto Mall, Dudley ‘Do-Right’ McBride; attorney Cootie McBride of the law firm McBride, Myself and I; and Sista Encouragement, co-host of the Rev. Cletus Car Sales Church Broadcast. This is their story.”

Dudley: “Cootie, remember my last theory about something in the water making people do crazy things? I’m watching a news story on cable television that illustrates my point: A flight attendant cusses out the passengers, grabs two beers, jumps off the plane and runs home.”

Cootie: “And, coincidentally, the dispatcher called us to investigate a frustrated Ghetto Rapid Transit bus driver who parked his bus in the middle of the street, jumped out of the driver’s seat, and is outside of the bus fussing and yelling to himself.”

Sista Encouragement: “This brother needs an intervention.”

(Dudley, Cootie and Sister Encouragement drive to the scene in the Law ‘n’ Order SUV. When they arrive, Sista Encouragement tries to calm Deacon Boudreaux, the bus driver, while Dudley and Cootie talk to bus passengers.)

Sista Encouragement: “I know you sometimes feel like a motherless child a long way from home. Despite the craziness and troubles of this world, you must try to keep your head while others are losing theirs. Just realize that you, your passengers and I are victims and spectators in this funky society.”

Deacon Boudreaux: “Thanks, Sista, I needed that.”

Doink, doink!

Kamikaze

We Are Jackson

I

t appears my latest JFP blog post stirred up some emotions. It’s no secret that crime and the perception of crime are push-button issues for many of us. It’s definitely no secret that tempers flare when you talk about crime within the framework of a Jackson vs. “the burbs” discussion. Catchphrases abound; and innuendo and accusatory tones appear, most often hurled in the direction of the capital city.

To hear some of our detractors describe it, Jackson has become some type of post-apocalyptic, “Mad Max” wasteland where anarchy rules.

Criminals ride around on dirt bikes in spiked shoulder pads carrying sawed-off shotguns knocking over mailboxes. Homesteaders better clean their shotguns and stand at the ready, because as long as you’re “in” Jackson—and only in Jackson, might I add—your life is in grave danger.

Of course, that’s an embellishment. But that description sounds just as crazy as our surrounding naysayers sound when they condescendingly tell Jacksonians how bad their city is.

Let’s be clear. Jackson does not have rampant crime. We do indeed have crime, and yes, it needs to be addressed. No one deserves to be violated, ever. We shouldn’t have to put up with it. Bottom line: Every property owner should do what’s necessary to protect your home, family, and possessions.

But don’t let the small minds stop you from enjoying what this city has to offer. Trust me, a loud minority of Jackson bashers will never see anything positive about our city. Last time I checked, JPD had not disbanded, and we have good officers on the streets doing the best they can

to curb crime. And doing it short-staffed, I might add.

Fact is, crime will never go away. Never will there be this utopian society where crime doesn’t exist. As long as we have poverty, greed and hate, we will have crime. Maybe not a lot of it, but there will be crime.

Get over it.

Madison is not going to save you; Rankin County is not going to save you; northeast Jackson isn’t going to save you. Crime is in all of those places. And guess what? It isn’t just “Jackson” crime as a Ridgeland apartment complex newsletter described it.

It’s time we start striking back at our detractors. The times of chuckling and turning the other cheek are over. We’re tired of the bashing, and it ends now, Jackson. Stand up for your city.

Be on the lookout for those clever euphemisms. Instead of “black,” they use “thug” or “criminal,” even though we know lawbreakers come in all hues. Instead of saying “white folks,” they’ll say “hard-working Jacksonians” even though we know folks of all races work hard.

Detractors want to paint a picture of black folks coming in and taking over the city, running the “good” people out to the ‘burbs.

They rarely have stats, figures or more than one cherry-picked instance to describe the “Jackson” crime they rant about.

Message? We’re on to you. And while you’re free to run us down all you wish, it’s not going to stop the renaissance that this city is experiencing.

We are here! We are Jackson. Get used to it!

And that’s the truth ... sho-nuff!

E-mail letters to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to P.O. Box 5067, Jackson, Miss., 39296. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Scott Dennis

Not a Guns-and-Gold Republican

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I

ntervention is never easy. It generally implies that the subject of the intervention has an addiction that they themselves have not yet fully perceived to be a problem. No one likes to admit being out of control, and it’s no picnic for the friend or family member who is putting a relationship on the line in hopes of brighter days that are only realized after what will surely be a long, difficult road to recovery.

I am writing this as a concerned family member—not to a person, but to a party: the Republican Party. I am one of you, and I am here to suggest that the most outspoken and extremist voice is not always the voice of reason (from any party). I’m writing this because I don’t want you to continue down the dark, lonely road of negative propaganda. It is addictive, and it’s a hard reputation to shake.

Both sides play games when any given electorate doesn’t get its way. An outspoken activist from one side will promise to leave the country if so-andso is elected, and their counterparts from the opposing team will throw around doomsday scenarios and Antichrist comparisons. Neither of these strategies is appealing or helpful.

I could criticize the actions of both major parties, but my desire for this rant is to call out the negativity of the Republicans because I truly desire more out of you. And for the record, trying to spin the derogatory label, The Party of No” into “The Party of Know” still doesn’t make it cool. Be relevant. Become, again, a party of distinction.

I use to enjoy reading about Ronald Reagan—especially his childhood and his early life in radio and then actor. It was like taking a trip back in time, and I think that, later, part of his political charm came from the fact that he was from a different era, and that he showed an idealism of what it meant to be American. His core message was that America’s brightest days were still ahead, and whether you agreed with anything he ever did politically or not, you have to admit that he was selling hope to a generation of voters that longed for the by-gone Norman Rockwell version of America.

The Republican Party has quit selling hope. These days, too many of its members preach a message of doom-and-gloom. Why do so many conservative pundits now give the impression that we should all horde gold and stockpile guns while we can? This kind of message leads to fear and conspiracy theories and even downright paranoia—all of which are popular calling cards for many so-called “patriot” groups.

The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) indicates that more than 14 million guns were sold in the United States in 2009. That is a more than 10 percent increase over 2008 sales. I’m not anti-gun: I own some myself, and I go hunting on occasion.

But what does it mean when people in the USA buy more guns in one single year than the number of active troops of the combined armies of the top 20 countries in the world?

Obviously, no political party owns God, nor does any political party have the inside information as to the will of God. But with that said, the Republican Party has in the past taken pride in being called the “religious right.” Why, then, do we not genuinely ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” Again, I’m not claiming to have the inside scoop, but I’m thinking it probably wouldn’t be to stock up on guns and gold.

My message of intervention is simply that I wish there were more voices of reason. I know they are there, but more-vocal extremists overpower them.

Don’t live in fear, and don’t use fear for political advantage. Elected officials have a job to do, and we the voters expect you to work together and find common ground with those that you don’t agree with.

Invest in gold if you want, but invest more heavily in people.

New JFP columnist Scott Dennis is Morton, Miss., native who lives in Pearl. Dennis earned a computer science degree from Mississippi College, and works as an IT Specialist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He says he is blessed with a wonderful wife and a small but growing family.

My desire for this rant is to call out the negativity of the Republicans because I truly desire more out of you.

CORRECTIONS • Please note the following corrections for Volume 8, Issue 48, Aug. 12-18, 2010: The correct

website for Lumpkins’ barbecue restaurant is lumpkinsbbq.com, not lumpkinsbbg.com; we should have removed the listing for massage therapist Bill Barksdale, as he passed away in 2008; the Thai House restaurant is located at 1405 Old Square Road, not 405 Old Square Road. The Jackson Free Press apologizes for the errors.

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15

What’s W

Stopping

Solar?

by Adam Lynch

Mississippi Solar employees inspect photovoltaic panels on the roof of a Northwest Rankin Middle School.

Courtesy MS Solar

ill Hegman looks over a warehouse filled with what could potentially be the future of American energy. The building contains pallets of photovoltaic panels, along with converters, lead-acid batteries and a host of mechanical doo-dads and buzzing bits of metal that make it possible for any home in Mississippi to draw power directly from the sun, just like a plant only with a handy carport.

Hegman, 59, is a retired pilot who had a little extra money and said he wanted to improve his country. He started Mississippi Solar in Philadelphia, Miss., in 2007, hoping to help to move the nation away from its dependence on foreign oil supplies and create new jobs.

“I’m not just talking a few jobs here,” said Hegman who is originally from Holly Bluff, Miss. “We’re talking about changing the whole energy infrastructure of the country. That requires more than just a few new jobs.

We’re talking about potentially employing thousands of people in a whole new industry. Do you know how many people it took to create an energy infrastructure based on oil? Now imagine a new infrastructure based on renewable energy.”

Hegman has a point. If you had ordered an oil executive in 1910 to build a fueling station on every street corner across the country, selling a volatile oxygen-infused concoction of goo, he would have laughed you out of his office. “It would take millions of people to do something like that,” he might have said. “And can you imagine the costs associated with the nationwide transport system for such an explosive liquid?”

Nevertheless, for decades the country has worked hard to do just that, while employing thousands of people in the process. Hegman said we can do it again with a different energy source. All we need is the will.

But that will has to contend with a long list of obstacles.

“The assumption that Mississippi is somehow deficient in solar potential and lacks capacity to meet even a small portion of the state’s energy needs is alarming,” Hegman said. “It is especially alarming if these beliefs are not based on verifiable and objective data.

Their lack of sunshine argument is at complete odds with the findings compiled by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with data collected by the National Weather Service between 1961 and 1990. You can see for yourself the kind of impact solar can have on electric bills.”

Hegman then pointed to a solar array his company installed on two portable classrooms at Northwest Rankin Middle School.

“Portables are less efficient than the (school) building itself. They’re using old window air-conditioners, for Pete’s sake. It’s amazingly inefficient. But we’ve figured out that 16-panel modules can sustain a classroom on a year-round basis,” Hegman said.

A quick visit to a website that monitors power data collected from the school reveals that the total energy generated by the school’s solar system generated 5.7 gigawatts of electricity since its construction last May. That amount equates to carbon offset comparable to 116 newly planted trees, nine tons of unreleased carbon dioxide, and 507 barrels of unburnt oil.

This, mind you, comes from only 16 panels stationed at one middle school in a Jackson suburb.

Discouraging Solar?

Tyson Slocum, director of the Energy Division of government watchdog group Public Citizen, questions the forces behind the Advance Mississippi numbers, which include founding member company Entergy Mississippi and the Tennessee Valley Authority—power companies that Slocum said want to discourage the growth of the solar energy industry at all costs.

“The biggest impediment to promoting rooftop (solar) assemblies has been the utility (companies),” Slocum told the Jackson Free Press. “The last thing an electric utility wants to see is its loyal paying customers turn into competitors, which is what happens when people start generating energy from their own rooftops, so there is an institutional and economic barrier in the form of utilities. I understand where utilities are coming from, but they’re at direct odds with what would benefit families.”

Solar Power of Mississippi CEO Devereaux Galloway said the power companies have worked overtime to battle innovative rate-charging practices that could offset the high costs of the fledgling solar industry.

“We’ve been working hard to advance (legislation) creating new ways for people to invest in solar energy in the Mississippi Legislature, and I know the power companies have successfully killed my attempts in committee every year,” Galloway said.

The price of home-grown electricity makes a significant difference when it comes to investing in solar panels. Hegman said he picked Rankin Middle School as a test ground specifically because it was located within the territory of Tennessee Valley Authority, a power company that—despite Slocum’s low

esteem—buys back the school’s solar-produced power at 12 cents per kilowatt hour above the company’s retail rate for electricity. TVA touted its first officially supported Mississippi solar power array in 2002, at the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford.

Galloway has unsuccessfully advocated for a net-metering state policy similar to policies enacted in other states.

Under his past plans, power companies pay customers connected to the power grid through equivalent retail credit. Without a net-metering policy, individual power generators, including solar panel owners, are at the mercy of their power provider. Without a state-imposed cost control, power companies can pay home-based power producers considerably less for their excess solar energy than the rate the power companies charge for an equal amount of electricity.

“If you have a renewable-energy-generating product like solar, net metering allows you to get full retail value. So if you’re charged 13.9-cents a watt, to get full retail value the utility companies would have to pay you 13.9-cents a watt,” said James Wade, president and CEO of renewable energy installation company Alternate Energy Solutions. “Mississippi is one of the few states that don’t use it, and we don’t need to be the last to adopt it.”

Mississippi joins Alabama, South Dakota and Tennessee in rejecting a statewide netmetering policy. Five legislative bills creating

Vogt added that a solar-panel-equipped customer who potentially dropped his monthly bill from $130 to $25 with net metering would wind up transferring the difference to customers who do not have solar panels or some other form of personal power generation.

The company, according to Vogt, was more willing to accept a process known as “net billing,” in which the power company inflates the cost of the power the solar-using customer buys from the power company.

(Most solar panel owners still must purchase some power from the power companies on heavy-electricity use days.) That price increase essentially charges solar panel customers for transmission and infrastructure costs.

Vogt told legislators that a solar panel customer’s $130 monthly bill would be reduced to only $102 under Mississippi Power’s net billing proposal.

Advocates for solar power say such a paltry drop in price would not inspire customers to make a solar panel investment—and that this is the reason behind advocating a net billing scheme.

Hegman said net metering isn’t necessarily the best way to go, in any case. He explains that power companies will eventually have to buy some form of solar-panel power production just to offset their impending carbon footprint.

“There are all kind of things that are better than net-metering,” Hegman said.

“I understand where utilities are coming from, but they’re at direct odds with what would benefit families.” net metering—four in the state House and one in the Senate—died in their respective public utilities committees in February.

Power companies oppose net metering, according to testimony collected at a 2009 legislative hearing, because an equal exchange rate would cost too much money. Mississippi Power Company Rate Manager Larry Vogt told a legislative panel that most Mississippi Power customers would end up subsidizing other customers’ solar panel purchases.

“When customers buy power, they’re using our whole power delivery infrastructure, including power production, transmission, distribution substations and service lines, and other things. That price we charge them includes charges for generation and delivery and maintenance, but the energy we buy from the customers only avoids our cost for fuel. We would still have to transfer the costs for transmission onto our other customers who don’t have solar panels,” Vogt said.

“Net metering could be a baseline to make sure there’s a level playing field, but that’s the just the minimum right now. Other states are way beyond net metering.”

TVA, along with most of the rest of the nation, has figured out the dynamics of the future, and that future involves cap and trade, Hegman said. Carbon credits, he said, are going to be very important to companies that own coal-based plants.

“There’s no way carbon regulation can’t come because we’ve got a real problem with carbon dioxide,” Hegman said. “What TVA is doing is when they sign that contract with you (to buy back your excess solar power) they’re buying carbon credits. They can take that clean energy offset and the government will allow them to apply those credits to carbon caps that will get continually more strinSOLAR, see p 19

jacksonfreepress.com

Lack of Sunshine

After about half a century of existence, the most widely available solar panels still come in only three flavors: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. Monocrystalline panels consist of large, solid plates of silicon crystal created by shaving off slices of a near perfect block of silicon and plating it with metals that snap off electrons from sunlight when it passes through the plates.

Sunlight creates 1,000 watts of energy per square meter of the planet’s surface, which could give your home a serious buzz if scientists ever managed to channel it all. As it stands, however, monocrystalline panels only capture about 18 percent of that—and they are the most efficient of the three common varieties.

Polycrystalline panels capture an average of 15 percent of the sun’s energy, but they cost less per module, compared to monocrystalline. Amorphous, or “thin film” panels consists of molten glass poured over plates of metal. They harness only 10 percent of the sun’s energy, but are the cheapest panels currently available to the public.

LiveScience.com, a science news website, suggests that an average American household uses 11,000 kilowatt-hours (kwh) per year.

The average homeowner who wants to use solar panels to provide half his energy needs can expect a 7.76 kilowatt (kw) peak power system to cost about $35,000 to $52,000.

That’s not worth the investment, according to Advance Mississippi, a coalition of state energy, business, community and academic leaders.

“While Mississippi is known for its sweltering summers, heat does not necessarily translate into viable solar energy, and conditions in Mississippi are not optimum for solar power like the desert areas in the southwestern U.S.,” the coalition stated in a 2009 report, “Making the Grade: An Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources for Mississippi.”

The report references a U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory map showing the varying amounts of solar capacity throughout the country, and claims solar power could “potentially provide limited residential power on an individual basis,” in the state and “serve as a possible solution to power isolated areas. However, the state’s geography makes current solar technology unviable for the generation of affordable and reliable commercial or industrial energy needs.”

The organization then gave Mississippi a “D” rating of solar potential.

The assessment appears puzzling after further analysis of other information NREL provided, however. NREL published a report recording solar-energy peak output on a state-by-state basis. The report “Solar Radiation Data Manual for Flat-Plate and Concentrating Collectors,” identifies Jackson as receiving an average of 5.1 peak hours of daily sunshine per year. Strangely, some sun-drenched cities further out west, such as Houston, Texas, received only 4.8 hours of daily peak-hour solar radiation, 0.3 hours less than Jackson.

Hegman’s voice grows a bit surly when a reporter references the Advance Mississippi report.

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18

Choctaw Sun Warriors Look to Australia

T

he Mississippi Band of Choctaws kicked serious sunlovin’ butt this past month after taking home the overall championship in the 15th Hunt-Winston Solar Car Challenge for high-school teams. Their vehicle is a low-riding, 1,316-pound creature that looks like it could ride in under your radar and deliver serious damage to your ground troops before vanishing back off into the night.

“The kids named it Tuska Hashi, which means ‘sun warrior’ in Choctaw,” said Choctaw Central High School team adviser Frankie Germany. “It’s the most aerodynamic vehicle in the race, and after all their hard work, everything worked perfectly, and the drivers were wonderful. They’ve been running in this race since 2005, but this time we took home the best score.”

The 11-student Choctaw Central High School team ducked out of their tribe’s stickball competition to win the race—not an easy thing to do, considering how highly the Choctaws prize their stickball games—but that’s OK. Team adviser Joey Long said team members consoled themselves by beating the absolute heck out of their competition last month.

Trasilla Willis behind the wheel of the solar-powered Tuska Hashi car, winner of the 15th Hunt-Wilson Solar Car Challenge for high-school teams.

vis Childers, D-Miss., in the upcoming First Congressional District election, already has his thoughts on the current energy bill and cap-and-trade thoroughly ironed down.

“The president himself said that, out of necessity, electric rates would skyrocket.

I’m not in favor, in a downturn economy or anytime, of any policy that would guarantee that electric rates would skyrocket,” Nunnelee told the Jackson Free Press in June.

(He did not explain that he was referring to an older “skyrocket” statement from President Obama concerning an entirely different cap-and-trade plan under congressional consideration when he was an Illinois senator in 2008.)

“Cap and trade is a political agenda in search of a science, and all that really is, is a thinly veiled tax sold as environmental policy,” Nunnelee said.

The senator, insisting that cap and trade was all about “raising taxes,” ignored any conversation about a potential alternative to the cap-and-trade method to reduce carbon emissions, and instead fell back upon the cushy, all-embracing excuse of economic problems.

“I think right now the single-most important issue facing people in Mississippi for the next decade, possible for the next

Judges designated The Tuska Hashi the fastest after it completed an eight-day, 866-mile run from Dallas, Texas, to Boulder, Colo., at an average speed of 34.7 miles per hour. The car went 3 percent farther and 9.5 percent faster than the second-fastest car in the race.

Perhaps this had something to do with the fact that Purdue University professors donated the cab and aerodynamic top portion of the vehicle, which likely could slip through molasses like a shark through murky water. Or perhaps the victory had something to do with the 480 Sun Power A-300 photovoltaic modules covering the vehicle like second-graders in an elementary school cafeteria on pizza day. The cells collect an unbelievable 21.5 percent of the sun’s energy—an efficiency rating impossible outside of laboratory conditions less than six years ago. Technology is definitely improving on the solar-panel front, and Long said once photovoltaic module efficiency reaches 50 percent, people probably won’t even remember what gasoline looked like.

“Fifty-percent efficiency is a number that keeps coming up in solar-technology circles,” Long said. “With that kind of production, you would only need a few panels to run a regular home.

It would change our whole energy infrastructure. That’s why I always tell the students, ‘Get your degree. Follow the technology and maybe you’ll grow up and one day be the face behind the transformation of our world.’”

That’s the not-so-distant future. The more immediate future for Team Tuska Hashi includes collecting enough money to get the Choctaw kids to the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia. As overall winners in the Hunt-Winston Solar Car Challenge, both the car and the students qualify to knock heads with students from a host of braggadocious, tea-drinking nations that could be brought down a peg or two by Native American know-how.

The costs to move the team and their vehicle from here to Australia—where they will run a grueling race from the northern tip of the continent in Darwin to the southern coastal town of Adelaide—could run from $50,000 to $100,000. Prospective donors should call Frankie Germany or Long at 601-663-7806 or 601-663-7807.

—Adam Lynch

quarter century, is the economy, followed by jobs. That’s what’s on peoples’ mind,” Nunnelee concluded.

But the senator is avoiding the bigger picture altogether, according to economic specialists, who say a small hike in electric bills could spur incredible job growth in the renewable energy industry.

A May report from the Peterson Institute for International Economics offered a thorough assessment of the American Power Act, initially supported by U.S. Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. (but since abandoned by Graham). The report, based on numbers collected from the Department of Energy’s National Energy Modeling System, estimates the American Power Act’s potential economic benefit.

The PIIE report estimates the bill’s carbon pricing will raise the price of carbon fuels, such as oil and coal, and potentially raise ratepayers’ electricity rates by 3 percent and the price of gasoline by 5 percent between 2011 and 2030. However, the same report predicts that—despite increases in fuel prices—households will benefit from increased home and vehicle efficiency to the point where customers will actually see anywhere between a $136 increase and

a $35 decrease in average annual energy expenditures, “depending on future improvements in vehicle efficiency.”

At the very worst, $136 divided over a course of 12 months amounts to an $11 monthly increase. But the bill will also address the argument of Nunnelee and Senate Republicans, according to the report, by triggering $41.1 billion in annual electricity sector investment between 2011 and 2030—an economic stimulus that in the first decade increases “average annual employment by about 200,000 jobs.”

This does not even include improvements in other sectors, such as energy security.

“The Act would reduce U.S. oil imports by 33 to 40 percent below current levels and 9 to 19 percent below business-as-usual by 2030. This would cut U.S. spending on imported oil by $51 to $93 billion per year and, by lowering global oil prices, reduce oil producer revenues by $263 to $436 billion annually by 2030,” the report says.

The environmental implications of the energy bill are equally as heartening. The act, by establishing an economy-wide carbon price starting at $16.47 per ton in 2013 and SOLAR, see p 20

jacksonfreepress.com

gent throughout the future. The more clean energy they’ve got, the more they can operate their coal plants without paying a (federal) penalty. Twelve cents over retail price is a bargain for them in the next few years.”

Slocum of Public Citizen countered that Hegman’s optimism hits a brick wall when power companies weigh the cost of federal carbon penalties against the comparatively greater revenue loss of potential customers.

“A utility company makes money just like Wal-Mart: by selling stuff to customers.

And if your customers are buying less of your stuff because they’re generating more stuff on their own then that’s problem from the utility company’s point of view,” Slocum said.

Federal Enthusiasm?

So far, the U.S. Congress is doing very little to push energy companies to take solar seriously.

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman lamented last month that if federal legislators did not act now, it was unlikely that they would accomplish anything in the field of advancing solar under a Republican administration.

“If we don’t get a serious energy bill out of this Congress, and Republicans retake the House and Senate, we may not have another shot until the next presidential term or until we get a ‘perfect storm’—a climate or energy crisis that is awful enough to finally end our debate on these issues but not so awful as to end the world. But, hey, by 2012, China should pretty much own the clean-tech industry and we’ll at least be able to get some good deals on electric cars,” Friedman wrote.

The American Power Act, which Senate Democrats were working to pass before Congress recessed in August, demands utility companies get 15 percent or more of their power from renewable sources, like solar, and it puts a cap on carbon emissions from power plants.

Friedman pointed out, however, that not one single Republican favored the bill.

The Republican and conservative Democrat side of the argument against “cap and trade” rests almost entirely upon the argument that it will result in skyrocketing electric bills, as carbon-farting power companies fail to innovate and ramp up their renewable production, and that the companies will inevitably pass the resulting federal fines down to customers.

The energy bill sought to put a limit on the amount of carbon a power company can produce. To avoid reaching that federally imposed carbon cap, the carbon-emitting power company can purchase carbon permits from another power-producing company that has earned substantial permits by investing in renewable, carbon-light energy production, such as solar.

Republican Party leaders, like Gov. Haley Barbour, argue that forcing a power company to invest in renewable energy will drive energy producers to pass those investment costs to ratepayers.

Mississippi Sen. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, who is running against U.S. Rep. Tra-

Courtesy MS Solar

SOLAR, from p 17

19

SOLAR, from p 19

August 19 - 25, 2010

growing to $55.44 dollars per ton in 2030, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 84 percent to 70 percent by 2030—22 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 42 percent by 2030.

Total energy demand met by fossil fuels would fall from 84 percent today to 70 percent in the year 2030, and renewable and nuclear energy would grow from 8 percent of the nation’s energy supply to 16 and 14 percent, respectively, in 2030.

Nunnelee’s argument against rising electricity costs are pointless, according to Paul Gipe, an author and renewable energy industry analyst. Gipe posited that Mississippi’s

20

electricity rates are probably already slated to rise, even without the nipping jaws of a new energy bill behind it.

“Right now, the way the system currently works is power companies are allowed by your state to make a profit by building new energy plants, and this new construction raises rates,” he said.

“Check your records. Can you say that your state isn’t already considering raising rates to accommodate some kind of new development, a new coal plant, perhaps?”

Well, as a matter of fact …

The Cost of Business as Usual

The Mississippi Sierra Club filed a June lawsuit in Harrison County Chancery court challenging a decision by two Mississippi

Public Service commissioners to alter a PSC decision raising the price cap for a new experimental coal-burning power plant in Kemper County to $2.88 billion.

In the PSC’s original April 29 decision, the stockholders of the company seeking to construct the plant—Mississippi Power—would carry any costs above $2.4 billion. MPC complained, however, that they should instead be able to pass costs above $2.4 billion down to their ratepayers, and warned that they could not afford to build the plant if they were not allowed to hand their customers the bill. This is the same company, if you recall, whose rate manager, Larry Vogt, altruistically warned a legislative panel that net metering would raise their customers’ rates.

Commissioner Leonard Bentz and Lynn Posey revised their May 26 decision, which allowed the company to charge rate-payers up to $2.88 billion for the plant—even though MPC refused to release to the public the amount of the rate increase customers would be shouldering as a result, or any documentation supporting the rate increase.

Before carrying its complaint to chancery court, the Sierra Club filed a petition with the PSC this year, asking the PSC to release the potential rate impact of the plant’s construction to the public. But a majority of the members, including Bentz and Posey, did not address the petition in the months leading up to their decision on the plant—much to the fury of Commissioner Brandon Presley, a Kemper plant critic who made a point to opine to any microphone in his vicinity over the issue at every public appearance.

Bentz argued in June that the new parameters of the PSC’s decision means MPC still must approach the PSC for approval before charging ratepayers anything more than the original $2.4 billion cap, but Presley, who opposed granting the permit both in April and May, said those parameters mean nothing. The PSC, Presley said, will undoubtedly approve the additional costs every time MPC hands them a new cost increase petition and orders them to sign it.

“The project costs more than (MPC’s) net worth. As soon as the cost goes north of $2.4 billion and you don’t approve the cost increase, we’ll bankrupt the company,” Presley said, adding that pressure would be upon the PSC not to bankrupt the power company.

Sierra Club Director Louie Miller said the Sierra Club case is still pending in court, but says the power company’s apparent unwillingness to release the potential rate impacts says plenty about how much it would affect rate-payers.

“I’ve said this countless times: This is the biggest boondoggle Mississippi ratepayers have ever experienced,” Miller said. “You can damn well bet there’s a … good reason they don’t want you to know how much it will be, because they … know the cost would act as a deterrent.”

Rates for Entergy Mississippi customers increased about 40 percent after the construction of Entergy’s similarly priced Grand Gulf nuclear reactor throughout the 1980s—and Entergy had more customers than MPC to share the construction costs.

Attorney General Jim Hood filed an opinion with the PSC, leading up to its April decision, stating that MPC should make the projected rate increase public under state law, but the power company argued in a January 2010 that “it would be an extremely difficult, if not impossible, burden to bear for a utility constructing a baseload generating facility to demonstrate that pre-construction costs and construction costs incurred as long as four years after the end of the test period could be used and useful within a reasonable time after the test period.”

The company added in its argument that state legislators obviously anticipated the SOLAR, see p 22

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A horse stable at Empty Nest Guest House, near Oxford, went solar with the help of Mississippi Solar photovoltaic modules.

company’s need to keep cost estimates unpublished: “The Legislature understood the obstacles that (state law) created to the successful development of baseload generation.”

Even Gov. Barbour committed his approval to the construction of the coal plant, and the inevitable rate increase it would incur, at a July 29 public event. In fact, the governor submitted a May 24 letter to the PSC, just prior to its May decision to revise their $2.4 billion cost cap, reminding commissioners that “Mississippi ratepayers will lose the benefit of $680 million in federal monies,” dedicated to the plant. He also wrote that ratepayers would somehow be “stuck with much higher rates to make up for the lost $680 million,” even though MPC said the company would not be able to build the plant under the PSC’s April cost cap.

Barbour’s May support for MPC’s rate increase must have twisted his soul into a pretzel, considering his April 22, 2009, letter arguing against Cap and Trade’s additional costs on electricity consumers.

“Why in the world would our own federal government propose energy policies that will result in far more expensive energy, major cost increases for families, diminished competitiveness for our businesses and industries, and fewer jobs for American workers? It is in the name of climate change and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions,” Barbour stated to the conservative Washington Times.

Public Citizen’s Slocum said the reasons utilities favor huge power plants over home power generators is obvious.

“On one hand, utilities lobby very aggressively for loan guarantees to build new nuclear power plants. They lobby state utility commissions to get construction and engineering costs built into the rate base to build new power plants, but when it comes to households getting financing, whether it be through the tax system or through some kind of rate-base discount, their devotion is usually lacking,” Slocum said.

The cost of nuclear energy, a large beneficiary of the federal energy bill currently stalled in Congress, fares no better when compared to the cost of installing solar.

The Waste Awareness & Reduction Network report, “Solar and Nuclear Costs—The Historic Crossover,” reveals

that falling prices on solar modules make them equal in price to the ratepayer costs for building nuclear reactors in 2010, according to solar and nuclear cost trends in the state of North Carolina.

“(North Carolina’s) largest utilities are holding on tenaciously to plans dominated by massive investments in new, risky, and ever-more-costly nuclear plants, while they limit or reject offers of more solar electricity,” the report states. “Those utilities seem oblivious to the real trends in energy economics and technology that are occurring in competitive markets.”

The report adds that solar modules will continue to grow cheaper over the decades and that “power bills will rise much less with solar generation than with an increased reliance on new nuclear generation,” even in a state whose largest city, Charlotte, has a peak solar rating lower than that of Jackson. Charlotte’s rate is 5.0 peak solar hours, according to NREL, suggesting that solar could be even more favorable in the Magnolia State.

Making Solar Happen

With so much remaining opposition on the federal and state level, however, Slocum said Mississippians may have to take the issue directly to their municipalities.

In early 2009, the city board of directors of Gainesville, Fla., unanimously approved a decision to adopt a photovoltaic feed-in tariff, based on successful European models.

The arrangement allows Gainesville Regional Utilities customers who sign up for the program to get a guaranteed fixed rate of 32 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity they produce and sell back to the power company for 20 years. Because the feed-in tariff guarantees that the utility company will buy all of the electricity produced by a homeowner’s solar photovoltaic system at a fixed rate for 20 years, solar investors get a reliable estimate on a new source of income. The plan costs the ratepayers a little more money in their monthly bills, but Slocum said it creates a direct rebate, expected income that customers can borrow against to pay for the solar panels on their house.

SOLAR, see p 24

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Mississippi Solar employee John Wilbanks poses behind solar modules on the horse stable of the Empty Nest Guest House in Oxford.

So far, Gainesville citizens haven’t asked the Gainesville city board to rethink its February 2009, decision, which Slocum said is testament to the program’s popularity.

“It’s built into the rate base, so rate-payers have to pay it. Nothing is free. But if it allows more families to finally be able to afford to install solar panels on their roof then there is merit to it,” he said.

“Right now, taxpayers are on the hook for building new nuclear power plants in the form of federal loan guarantees, so there are subsidies for any new energy source. And there’s nobody out there that can tell me that some of these new energy sources are being built by the industry subsidy-free. That is absolutely not the case.”

Unlike Gainesville, however, Jackson does not operate their own utility company, but Gipe said the city is not completely under the thumb of the utilities and could bargain for a feed-in tariff.

“Many cities in the United States have jurisdiction over the lease of right of way for the power lines,” Gipe said. “Usually each city has a contract with the utility company saying the company has the lease to run power lines down your streets. A lot of contracts are coming due right now, and there are examples, like in Boulder, Colo., where they’re asking if they should renew the lease or negotiate a lease that can lead to innovation.”

The city of Jackson does not use a rightof-way leasing system, but instead gets a 2 percent cut of all residential and commercial revenue utility companies generate inside the city limits. The state of Mississippi oversees the franchise fees, which are permanent and never up for a lease renewal. However, Mississippi Public Utilities Staff Executive Director Bobby Waites said the city of Jackson or any group or entity looking to create a kind of feed-in tariff in Mississippi could approach the Public Service Commission with the proposal.

“To get started on that it could be part of an energy efficiency docket (before the

commission) or it could be something the commission could initiate, a proceeding on its own to look at that specifically, or a utility could always ask for a meeting with the commission to discuss this very issue if there was enough interest in it,” Waites said. “A lot of the time ‘interest’ means seeing what other states are doing. Once they lay the groundwork, it may be a good idea.”

Some members of the Jackson City Council are already losing patience with the franchise fee. The council recently approved $840,549 in budget cuts to accommodate losses due to a deficit in homestead exemptions and a drop in estimated franchise fees from utility companies.

Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill, Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon and other council members expressed disbelief at the June announcement of the budget shortfall, in addition to finding that the city had no means to check utility companies’ claims of a drop in power sales.

“I’m surprised that the companies are saying they’re having to pay us less because there’s been some kind of drop in electricity and power purchases by Jackson customers,” Ward 6 Councilman Tony Yarber said.

“I know for a fact that my electricity bill is only getting higher, so I’m having a hard time squaring the power companies’ claim.”

Gipe said with power getting more and more expensive, utility companies will have to eventually cave to pressure and allow a little individual competition into the field.

“Why do Entergy and TVA build power plants? Did God create them to exclusively make electricity? No. What about the people of Mississippi who have the sun beating down on their backs? Don’t they have the right to generate electricity from solar, or from waste manure, or anything? You can generate electricity for a profit—even your whole city can,” Gipe said.

“If it’s like most cities across the country, which are broke, maybe what they need to be doing is producing electricity and making money instead of paying it out.”

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The Art of Engagement CHRISTINA CANNON

by Katie Bonds

Brad Alexander (left) crafted a unique way to propose to Ashley Pittman at One Blu Wall gallery July 30.

A

August 19 - 25, 2010

fter a day at the pool, Brad Alexander told his girlfriend Ashley Pittman that they had to go pick up a frame from One Blu Wall gallery for his mother.

Alexander and Pittman entered Fondren Corner near Rooster’s, and Alexander made eye contact with gallery owner Christina Cannon through the glass front of her gallery.

Thoughts rushed through Alexander’s head: “Christina has to set up the camera and turn on the music. … What will Ashley’s reaction be? … I have to stall Ashley.”

As the couple entered the studio, their song, Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” came over the speakers.

“I know what you’re here for,” Cannon called out from the other room. “Just look around for a second.”

Unaware that Alexander was hanging back in the foyer or even that their song was playing, Pittman breezed through the foyer of One Blu Wall, into the first room of the gallery and immediately looked to her left. There, hanging on the wall, she noticed herself in a piece of artwork.

“Why am I on the wall in this gallery?” she thought.

She studied the piece for a moment, and gasped when she realized words were printed on it. “Will you marry me?” it read. On closer inspection, the piece turned out to be a mosaic of thousands of tiny pictures of the couple’s life that all came together to form a larger image of Pittman and Alexander gazing into each other’s eyes in front of a colorful landscape.

Alexander approached Pittman and got down on one knee. He held out a classic, solitaire diamond ring with a shaky hand. Unbeknownst to Pittman, a video camera was filming every move. He told her he loved her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

Pittman, in complete shock—“a good shock,” she says now—didn’t say a word. Alexander shook her hand a little and reminded her that she still hadn’t said anything. When she fi26 nally let out a “yes,” he slid the ring on her finger.

Cannon came out of the back, told them congratulations and asked to see the ring.

“Oh,” Pittman said as she looked down at her finger. She was so completely taken aback during the proposal that she hadn’t even noticed the ring. “It’s perfect,” she says now.

Alexander had put a lot of work and effort into pulling off this huge surprise for his beloved.

“Seriously, it was like God was trying to help me out with it because everything just fell into place,” he says.

Alexander, 23, a landscape architecture student at Mississippi State University, started working on the project about two months ago. “If you include the time it took to take all the pictures, over two years,” he says.

A mutual friend introduced the couple at an apartmentcomplex pool in Starkville where they lived. Pittman lived two floors above Alexander for a year before they met. Pittman, also 23, was attending MSU at the time, but has since graduated.

“We learned a few weeks later that I was coming to live in Jackson that summer,” Pittman says. She is in physical therapy school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Though they didn’t start dating immediately, the fact that Pittman spent that summer in Jackson advanced their relationship. Alexander is originally from Pearl and spends his summers in Jackson when not in school. Pittman is originally from Olive Branch, Miss., and didn’t know anyone in Jackson. The couple hung out in groups with other friends all summer. And though the first time they ever went anywhere alone was to lunch at Newk’s, Pittman still remembers being nervous. They eventually started dating when they were both back in Starkville.

“The night we officially started dating, we cooked dinner at my house in Starkville and just hung out. We didn’t really do anything exciting. We cook dinner a lot together … I know that’s boring,” Pittman says with a laugh.

The idea for the photo mosaic started much smaller. “I

started messing with it on the computer … in my spare time, and it just kept snowballing into a bigger thing,” Alexander says.

Using his knowledge of Photoshop, Alexander decided to create something special for Pittman. He thought he would just hang the mosaic in her apartment, but after discussing it with his mom, she suggested hanging the mosaic in a gallery. A friend suggested One Blu Wall. Alexander called Cannon, and she was more than willing to help. They arranged the gallery meeting for 7 p.m. on Friday, July 30.

The Tuesday before, Alexander drove to Olive Branch to ask Pittman’s parents for their blessing.

“That’s one reason I waited so long to ask because her mom may have spilled …” Alexander starts.

“Would have,” Pittman says, finishing her fiancé’s sentence. “I didn’t hear from my mom at all that week, and she usually calls me. I was like, it’s kind-of weird that I haven’t talked to my mom all week, but maybe she’s just been busy. And I had no idea … at all.”

Alexander explains that while most people only ask the father for the daughter’s hand, he felt it was both parents’ decision. He met Pittman’s parents for lunch in Olive Branch, and they happily accepted Alexander into the family. Her father had only one request: for Brad to love God and love Ashley.

John Pittman, one of Ashley’s three younger brothers, sent Alexander a text after the lunch. “You just gained three new brothers,” he wrote.

Alexander crafted the ring with the help of his friend Paul Muffuletto whose father, Ron Muffuletto, owns Jackson Jewelers in Flowood. “All I knew was she wanted a solitaire,” he says. The store didn’t have the exact ring he wanted, so he ordered the pieces separately, and Jackson Jewelers put it together.

The week of the proposal, Alexander only had one problem: The mosaic was not ready. He had sent the images to a printing service, and they had not arrived. He was worried they would not arrive in time, or worse, that something would be wrong with them. The images finally arrived five days later than Alexander planned, but still in time for the proposal.

“Luckily, I sent them earlier than I needed to,” he says. “… I was just really glad that it looked the way it did.”

Pittman and Alexander had talked about marriage before. “We talked about it a lot more two or three months ago. I feel like we talked about it kind of a lot, and in the past month we hadn’t as much,” Pittman says.

“I was trying not to talk about it as much so not to hint toward the engagement,” Alexander tells her.

They’ve already set a date: Aug. 6, 2011.

“With school, it’s really hard because we go all year,” Pittman says. “… I have one week off. It has to be that day, and then the week I have off is when we’ll go on our honeymoon.”

The wedding will be at Christ Presbyterian Church in Olive Branch, with Pastor Richard Reeves officiating. The bride has known Reeves since she was 2. The wedding party will have 18 bridesmaids and groomsmen. Pittman’s childhood friend, Aly Stone, will be the maid of honor, and Alexander’s brother, Blake, will be the best man. Asked about the honeymoon, the couple looked at each other and smiled.

“Somewhere out of the country—probably the beach,” Alexander says.

“Definitely beach,” Pittman adds.

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SAVE THE PLANET ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME

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WEDDING SERVICES A Southern Affair Bridal Shop

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The Bridal Path

Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 104, 601-982-8267 bridalpathinc.com The Bridal Path features exclusive designers catering to the needs of fashionable brides.

The Cake Diva

601-513-4304, 601-398-1554 thecakediva.net The Cake Diva specializes in creating delicious, edible works of art, specifically contoured to your specifications.

Cakes by Iris

iris@cakesbyiris.com, 601-540-6347 cakesbyiris.com Specializing in “rolled fondant,” the porcelain-like finish so popular today. Go simple, or go for an elaborate, multi-tiered masterpiece.

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Campbell’s Bakery

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3013 N. State St., 601-362-4628 Campbell’s specializes in birthday cakes, custom cut tea cookies, caramel cakes, brownies, petit fours, cupcakes, cinnamon buns and pound cake and smells oh-so-yummy every time you walk through the door.

Candy’s Confections

1149 Old Fannin Road, Suite 7, Brandon, 601-992-9623, fatcakeguy.com Candy’s Confections has cakes, baked goods and gourmet chocolates for all occasions. They also host birthday parties and sell candy in bulk.

Cool Water Café and Catering

1011 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-956-6332, www.coolwatercafe.net Be a guest at your event and let Cool Water see to all the little details for your perfect day whether an intimate affair or a grand gala.

Create-A-Cake

100 Avalon Court, Brandon, 601-992-CAKE teresascreateacake.com Cake bakery. Also, baking and decorating classes available.

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Imaginations

119 W. Cherokee St., Brookhaven, 601-833-6280 or 1-800-676-1093 Imaginationsbridal.com A full-service bridal salon with a large selection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride and flower girl dresses. They also carry tuxedos and an assortment of wedding accessories.

Jos. A Bank Clothiers

4870 Interstate 55 N., 601-366-9711 josbank.com Men’s clothing, including suits, dress shirts, sports coats, pants, ties, golf, sportswear and tuxedos.

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The Paper Place

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Signature Occasions

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Squires Formal Wear

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Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 136, 601-982-0235 Fresh-ink.com Fresh Ink specializes in stationery, invitations and gifts with a unique and fresh touch.

5490 Castlewoods Court, Suite A, Flowood, 601-992-9094 cupcakecorner.net Gourmet, preservative-free cupcakes, frostings, brownies, muffins and cookies. Cakes made to order.

1006 Top St., Suite D, Flowood, 601-932-7800, dreamcakesms.com Custom cakes for all occasions. Also ready-made cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

28

Fresh Ink

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Fresh Cut Catering and Floral

108 Cypress Cove, Flowood, 601-939-4518 Floral arrangements for weddings and special events. Catering includes a wide menu selection for parties and full service meals from hors d’oeuvres and beverages to desserts.

2769 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, 601-932-5223 You’ll find That Special Touch cakes in some of the area’s finest restaurants.

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BEST BETS August 19 - 26

by Latasha Willis events@jacksonfreepress.com Fax: 601-510-9019 Daily updates at jfpevents.com

courtesy roy adkins

The Young Leaders in Philanthropy Lunch and Learn at United Way (843 N. President St.) is at 11:30 a.m. The topic is the Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign. $10 lunch or bring your own; e-mail kimberly@jacksonfreepress.com. … Downtown at Dusk at the Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.) in Exhibit Hall A starts at 5 p.m. and includes music by Faze 4 and food from local vendors. Free admission; call 601-974-6044, ext. 221. … See Catron Williams’ artwork at Southern Breeze Gallery (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland) at 5 p.m. Free; call 601-982-4222. … The opening reception for Robert Holleman’s neriage pottery and print exhibit at Light and Glass Studio (523 Commerce St.) is from 7-10 p.m. Free; call 601-942-7285. … Akami & the Key of G perform at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.) at 9 p.m. $5.

$5 with two JPS school supply items; e-mail suite106lounge@ gmail.com. … Taylor Hildebrand and Dead Gaze perform at Martin’s at 10 p.m. Call 601-354-9712.

Saturday 8/21

The Market in Fondren at 3270 N. State St. is open from 8 a.m.-noon. Free admission; call 601-832-4396. … The opening reception for Roz Roy Studio’s “I Got Art” exhibit at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.) is from 24 p.m. Free; call 601-960-1557. … Actor Ben Jones’ one-man show honors Dizzy Dean’s birthday at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (1152 Lakeland Drive) at 3 p.m. (kids’ matinee) and 7 p.m. $10, $7.50 children; call 800-280FAME. … The Mississippi Community Symphonic Band performs at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive) at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-605-2786. … Fuchsia plays at the Covenant Presbyterian Church courtyard (4800 Ridgewood Road) at 7 p.m. $10, $5 children under 18; visit celticfestms.org. … The Summer Jam at the Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.) at 8 p.m. includes performances

by Gucci Mane, Yung LA, Teairra Marie, Michael Blackson and Boo Rossini. $26; call 601-353-0603. … One Less Reason and Cleverform play at Fire at 9 p.m. Call 601-592-1000. …

King Edward performs at Underground 119 from 9 p.m.1 a.m. Call 601-352-2322.

Sunday 8/22

The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Ice Cream Truck Tour will make a stop at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.) at 1 p.m. Free purple popsicles; call 601-366-7619. … The Mostly Monthly Ceili at Fenian’s starts at 2 p.m. Free. … The Fides play at Burgers & Blues from 5-9 p.m. Call 601899-0038.

Monday 8/23

The “Paintings from the Soul of the Southland” and “Whimsical Women” exhibits continue at the Mississippi LiRobert Holleman’s neriage pottery will be on display at Light and Glass Studio Aug. 19 from 7-10 p.m. The exhibit continues until Sept. 17.

JFP editor Donna Ladd is one of the local celebrity performers in the Mississippi Opera’s Dance with the Stars at Old Capitol Inn (226 N. State St.) at 7 p.m. Note: Event is sold out, but you can still donate to the Mississippi Opera! Call 601-960-2300. … The Eclectik Soul album release concert at Alamo Theatre (333 N. Farish St.) at 9 p.m. includes appearances by Sunni Patterson and Nicole Marquez. $15; call 601259-8517 or 601-951-8976. … Storage 24, SMAASH and Bad Eye Mike play at the SummerSlam at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.) at 9:30 p.m. $5 until 11 p.m., then $10. …

Jackie Bell and Roosevelt Robinson perform at 930 Blues Cafe at 9:30 p.m. $10. … PyInfamous, Skipp Coon and 5th Child are at the “Back to Basics: Back to School Edition” concert at Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St.) at 10 p.m. $10;

Tuesday 8/24

The Mississippi Artists’ Guild exhibition at the Municipal Art Gallery (839 N. State St.) continues through Aug. 31.

Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Free; call 601-432-4056. … Amber Boardman’s animation exhibit at Lewis Film Gallery (Ford Academic Complex, Third Floor, 1701 N. State St.) opens today. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Free; visit amberboardman.com. … Sid of Slipnot with Mary Magdalan, Rikets and Blue Felix play at Fire at 8 p.m. Call 601592-1000. … Johnny Crocker performs at Fitzgerald’s. Call 601-987-2800. … The Xtremes play at Shucker’s from 7:3011:30 p.m. Free.

Wednesday 8/25

David Ringer of Audubon Mississippi speaks during “History Is Lunch” at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Free; call 601-576-6850. … Deborah Wiles signs copies of “Countdown” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 North) at 5 p.m. $17.99; call 601-366-7619. … The Battle of the Bands Playoffs at Electric Cowboy is at 8 p.m. Call 601-899-5333.

Thursday 8/26

The Mu Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., hosts the Image Awards and Scholarship Banquet at Jackson Enterprise Center (931 Highway 80 W.) at 7 p.m. $50; call 601-201-1710. … Hal & Mal’s has Improv Comedy in the red room and music by The Piney Woods Playboys in the restaurant. Call 601-948-0888.

More events and details at jfpevents.com.

The neo-soul group Eclectik Soul (percussionist Greg Stewart pictured below) is having a CD release party at Alamo Theatre Aug. 20 at 9 p.m.

Courtesy Tarah Stewart

Friday 8/20

brary Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive) through Aug. 31.

Exhibit hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Free; call 601-4324056. … Jesse “Guitar” Smith performs during the blues lunch at F. Jones Corner at noon. Free.

jacksonfreepress.com

Thursday 8/19

29

jfpevents JFP-Sponsored Events Radio JFP on WLEZ ongoing, at WLEZ 100.1 FM and wlezfm.com. Join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer every Thursday from noon-1 p.m., where they discuss vital issues and play local music. This week’s guests are Elizabeth Buyan of the Mississippi Opera and Michael Rubenstein, executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Listen to podcasts of all shows at jfpradio. com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17.

Dance With the Stars Aug. 20, 7 p.m., at Old Capitol Inn (226 N State St.). The fundraiser for the Mississippi Opera will feature a line-up of local celebrity dancers including JFP editor-in-chief Donna Ladd, dinner, drinks, and dancing for all to the music of the Capitol City Stage Band. Note: Event is sold out, but you can still donate to the Mississippi Opera! Call 601-960-2300.

The Market in Fondren Aug. 21, 8 a.m., at 3270 N. State St., in the parking lot across from Mimi’s.

Local artists and food producers will sell their goods.

Entertainment provided. Free; call 601-832-4396.

Mississippi Happening ongoing. The live monthly broadcast is hosted by Guaqueta Productions and features a special musical guest. Download free podcasts at mississippihappening.com.

Community Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.).

• Dancercize for the Heart Aug. 21, 9 a.m, at center stage. The event is sponsored by Jackson Heart Study. Call 601-982-8467.

• Economic Smart Fair and Forum Aug. 24, 4 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room. The event is sponsored by the Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Call 601-953-3093.

• Senior Aerobics Class Aug. 25, 10 a.m. at center stage. Seniors have an opportunity to get in shape and have fun while doing it. Sponsored by Tougaloo College. Free; call 601-977-6137.

• Youth Flag Football Registration through Sept. 3, Youth ages 9-14 may participate. Interested individuals can fill out registration forms from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The deadline for registration is Sept. 3. Call 601-960-0471.

• NFL Youth Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Registration through Sept. 14. The competition is divided into four separate age divisions: 8-9 years old; 10-11 years old; 12-13 years old; and 14-15 years old. During registration, proof of age will be required. Registration forms may be filled out from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; call 601960-0471.

Augusdt 19 - 25, 2010

Young Leaders in Philanthropy Lunch and Learn Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m., at United Way (843 N. President St.), in the conference room. This session is presented by the Children’s Defense Fund and will provide more information on the Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign. $10 lunch or bring your own; e-mail kimberly@jacksonfreepress.com.

30

Events at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.). Call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

• Getting a Handle on Menopause and Osteoporosis Aug. 19, 11:45 a.m., in the Baptist for Women Conference Center. Dr. Holland Addison and Dr. Thomas Wiley are the presenters.

The event is part of the “Timeless Transformations for Women” seminar series. Registration is required. $5 optional lunch.

• Cancer Rehab Classes ongoing, in the Activity Room of the Hederman Cancer Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The class helps cancer patients enhance cardiovascular strength, endurance, their immune system and bone density. It helps to increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue and weight loss, and improve digestion. Registration is required. Free.

Downtown at Dusk Aug. 19, 5 p.m., at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.), in Exhibit Hall A. The monthly event includes food for sale by local vendors, $2 beer, water and soft drinks, and live music. Event sponsors include Entergy, Downtown Jackson Partners, Underground 119, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Young Professionals of Greater Jackson. Free admission; call 601-974-6044, ext. 221.

Ridgeland Rendezvous Aug. 19, 5 p.m., In Ridgeland. View artwork by Southern artists and enjoy food, fun and atmosphere at Ridgeland’s galleries, restaurants and shopping centers. Visit visitridgeland.com.

Precinct 3 COPS Meeting Aug. 19, 6 p.m., at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003.

City of Jackson - AmeriCorps Capital City Rebuild Program through Aug. 20, at Jackson City Hall (200 S. President St.). The program encourages young adults to get involved in the community.

Activities include the mentoring and tutoring of children, providing assistance to senior citizens and landscaping of city parks. The program is from Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2011. Volunteers must be 18 and older and may receive benefits such as a monthly stipend, free dental and health insurance, and an educational award upon completion of 1700 hours. The deadline to apply is Aug. 20. Call 601960-0335 or 601-960-6575.

Homebuyers Workshop Aug. 21, 9 a.m., at Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.).

Sponsored by Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO). HOYO empowers people with disabilities to become homeowners through grants and support systems. Residents with and without disabilities in Hinds County and surrounding counties are invited to attend. Free; call 601-432-6876 or 866-883-4474.

Calendar Girl Cotillion Brunch Aug. 21, 10:30 a.m., at Anderson United Methodist Church (6205 Hanging Moss Road). The Rho Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is looking for interested young ladies and their parents to attend and receive information about the 2010 Miss Calendar Girl Cotillion. Free; call 601-665-9243.

ACLU of Mississippi Annual Membership Meeting Aug. 21, 12 p.m., at Cabot Lodge Millsaps (2375 N. State St.). The event’s guest speaker will be Dahlia Ward, ACLU national state strategist, who will discuss the ACLU’s fight to stop ballot initiatives across the country that are threatening individual freedoms. Lunch will be served. $20, free for members; call 601-354-3408.

Transgender Support Group of Mississippi Aug. 21, 3 p.m., at A Brave New Day (Fondren Corner, 2906 N. State St.). The meeting will be on the second floor. Call 601-321-4922.

Mostly Monthly Ceili Aug. 22, 2 p.m., at Fenian’s (901 E. Fortification St.). A family-friendly gathering of folks interested in Irish music and dance.

Food and drink available, especially Fenian’s Sunday Brunch. Free; e-mail emeraldrose2@yahoo.com.

Blood Pressure Checks for Seniors Aug. 23, 11:30 a.m., at Northside Senior Center (104 E. Northside Drive). The City of Jackson’s Department of Human and Cultural Services and the staff of St. Dominic Health Service’s Care-A-Van outreach program will provide blood pressure checks and information about cataracts to qualifying individuals ages 55 or older living within the city limits of Jackson. Free; call 601-960-0335.

How a Woman Risks Her Heart Aug. 25, 11:45 a.m., at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison), in the Community Room. Join cardiologist Chris Waterer, MD, to find out what risk factors play an especially big role for women and heart issues.

Lunch provided. Registration is required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

“History Is Lunch” Aug. 25, noon, at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Audubon Mississippi staff member David Ringer tells the story of Mississippi’s birds and the state’s important flyways. Bring your own lunch; coffee/water provided. Free; call 601-576-6850.

Project Redirectory Recycling Program through Aug. 31. Telephone book recycling bins are located throughout the metro Jackson area, and you can schedule a pickup from your business if you have 50 books or more. Contact Keep Jackson Beautiful for a list of locations. Books may also be dropped off at Recycling Services (3010 N. Mill Street). Call 601-366-4842.

Center for Cultural Interchange Call for Hosting Families through Aug. 31. CCI needs to place 1,000 foreign exchange students from more than 40 countries around the world for the 2010-2011 school year. All of the students to be placed are 15-18 years old and are proficient in English. The application deadline is Aug. 31. Call 800-634-4771.

Ask for More Arts Call for Artists ongoing. Ask for More Arts is currently seeking artists to work with children in grades K-5 in the Jackson Public Schools district. Parents for Public Schools of Jackson is the convening partner. Call 601-969-6015.

You Have the Mic ongoing, at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). The open political forum for discussing Jackson’s current issues is hosted by Othor Cain and Mista Main of Hot 97.7 FM on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. E-mail afrikabookcafe@ gmail.com.

Stage and Screen “Happy Birthday, Dizzy Dean!” Aug. 21, 3 p.m., at Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (1152 Lakeland Drive). The museum celebrates the centennial year of legendary pitcher Dizzy Dean’s birth with a one-man show performed by Ben Jones who also played Cooter on the ”Dukes of Hazard” television series. The kids’ matinee is at 3 p.m., and the evening performance is at 7 p.m.

After the evening show, Mississippians who had personal encounters with Dizzy Dean share their experiences. $10, $7.50 children 7-17; call 800280-FAME (3263).

Albums This Week...

American Hi-Fi “Fight The Frequency,” Trace Adkins “Cowboy’s Back In Town,” Peter Block “Peter Block,” Chromeo “Business Casual,” Ciara “Basic Instinct,” Filter “The Trouble With Angels,” David Gray “Foundling,” Hey Monday “Beneath It All,” Iron Maiden “The Final Frontier,” Just Surrender “Phoenix,” Kem “Intimacy,” John Mellencamp “No Better Than This,” T.I. “King Uncaged,” Brian Wilson “Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin”

Music “A Celebration of Mississippi’s Music Heritage” Aug. 20-21, at MSU Riley Center (2200 5th St., Indianola). The two-day event is designed to complement the “Sparkle & Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Musical Odyssey” exhibit. “Singer-Songwriters in the Round” on Aug. 20 includes a social and tour of the exhibit at 6 p.m. and performances

by Don Poythress, Walt Aldridge and Steve Dean begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theater. On Aug. 21, there will be a music symposium from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and “The Next Generation of Blues” concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Historic Theater featuring performers such as Eddie Cotton and Grady Champion. $10 for Aug. 20 event, $15 for symposium (includes lunch), $20-$25 for Aug. 21 concert, $40 for all events Call 601-696-2200.

Eclectik Soul Album Release Concert Aug. 20, 9 p.m., at Alamo Theatre (333 N. Farish St.). The group will perform live along with Sunni Patterson, Olamide Faison, M.U.G.A.B.E.E. Nicole Marquez will make a special appearance. Afterward, the celebration continues at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). $15; call 601-259-8517 or 601-951-8976.

Mississippi Community Symphonic Band Aug. 21, 7 p.m., at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Dr.). The band will play music from “The Lion King,” “The Builders” from David Miller’s American Frontier Suites and much more. Free; call 601-605-2786.

The Fuchsia Band Aug. 21, 7 p.m., in the courtyard at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4800 Ridgewood Road). The band from Cork, Ireland will perform.

Ticket discounts are available for members of the Celtic Heritage Society and Jackson Irish Dancers.

Free music workshops will be held at a time and date to be announced. $10, $5 children under 18; visit celticfestms.org.

Summer Jam Aug. 21, 8 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). Performers include Gucci Mane, Yung LA, Teairra Marie, Michael Blackson and Boo Rossini. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. $26; call 601-353-0603.

Literary and Signings Events at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 North). Call 601-366-7619.

• “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Ice Cream Truck Tour Aug. 22, 1 p.m. Get a free purple popsicle, and if you pre-order a copy of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth,” which comes out Nov. 9, you will get a Broad Street free kid’s meal coupon which is good for Aug. 22 only.

• “Countdown” Aug. 25, 5 p.m. Deborah Wiles signs copies of her book; reading of the book at 5:30 p.m. $17.99 book.

Creative Classes Jewelry Making Class ongoing, at Dream Beads (605 Duling Ave.). This class is offered every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Free; call 601-664-0411.

Afrikan Dance Class ongoing, at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.). The class is taught by Chiquila Pearson on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. $5; call 601-951-8976.

Art Therapy For Cancer Patients ongoing, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Activities Room of the Hederman Cancer Center on Wednesdays. The classes are designed to help cancer patients and provide an outlet to express feelings, reduce stress and assist in pain management.

Art supplies are included. Registration is required.

Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

Exhibits and Openings Events at Light and Glass Studio (523 S. Commerce St.). Hours are Tuesday-Saturday from

COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW SMOKER’S DECK!

Events at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Free; call 601-960-1557. • “I Got Artâ€? Exhibit Opening Reception Aug. 21, 2 p.m., in the Gertrude C. Ford Lower Atrium. See paintings and collages from students who participated in artist Roz Roy’s “I Got Artâ€? camp. The exhibit will be on display until Aug. 31. Free; call 601-960-1557. • Fifth Annual Storytellers Ball Juried Invitational through Aug. 22, at The art exhibition is based on the theme “Life Is a Cabaret: Broadway Magic.â€? • ArtBuds - VSA Arts Mississippi through Aug. 22, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). This program pairs students with disabilities with professional artists for instruction, mentoring and collaboration on art projects. The exhibit features individual artwork by the students and by the artists, along with the collaborative pieces they create. “One Fine Sunday in the Funny Pagesâ€? Exhibition Aug. 7-31, at Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland), at center court next to Yankee Candle. Madison County native John Read, who publishes an internationally known magazine called Stay Tooned!, will host the traveling exhibition of cartoon art. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Friday-Saturday from noon-7 p.m. and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. Call 713-224-9115. “Super Realismâ€? Exhibit Aug. 12-Oct. 31, at Cups at the Quarter (1855 Lakeland Drive). Roger Leonard Long’s lifelike portraits and figurative works using the trompe l’oeil technique are on display.

Free with artwork for sale; call 601-853-7480.

Art by Choice Guided Tour Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Dan Piersol, the museum’s deputy director for programs, leads the tour of the art for sale and for auction on Aug. 28 and Sept. 11. Free; call 601-960-1515.

Artist Reception Aug. 19, 5 p.m., at Southern Breeze Gallery (1000 Highland Colony). See abstract paintings by Catron Williams. Free; call 601-607-4147.

Open House Aug. 19, 5 p.m., at View Gallery (1107 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 105, Ridgeland). See new artwork by Amanda Hendrich and Darrah Dean Gooden. Free; call 601-278-3991.

Amber Boardman Exhibit Aug. 24-Oct. 1, at Millsaps College, Lewis Film Gallery (Ford Academic Complex, Third Floor, 1701 N. State St.).

See a collection of works by the Atlanta animation artist showcasing the breadth of her film experimentation. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Free; visit amberboardman.com.

Mississippi Artists’ Guild Exhibition through Aug. 31, at Municipal Art Gallery (839 N. State St). See 50 to 100 artistic selections from members including winners of the juried exhibition. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Free; call 601960-1582. “Summer Dress� through Aug. 31, at Manship House (420 E. Fortification St.). The museum exhibits the Victorian practice of preparing the home for the heat, insects, and dirt of the summer months. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. Free; call 601-961-4724. “Paintings from the Soul of the Southland� and “Whimsical Women� Exhibit through Aug. 31, at Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive). See artwork by landscape artist Alfred Nicols

and clay sculptor Susan Clark. Hours are 8 a.m.5 p.m. weekdays. Free; call 601-432-4056. “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived� through Jan. 9, at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The 60-foot, 2-million-year-old Megalodon looms life-size in this mega-exhibit of modern and fossil sharks.

Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $3-$5, free for members and children under 3; call 601-354-7303.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 18

KARAOKE W/ MIKE MOTT THURSDAY - AUGUST 19

FARMERS’ MARKETS Greater Belhaven Market through Dec. 18, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Buy local fresh produce or other food or gift items. The market is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission; call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

Farmers’ Market ongoing, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Shop the Mississippi Farmers Market for fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables from Mississippi farmers, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m.2 p.m. Call 601-354-6573.

Farmers’ Market ongoing, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project’s Farmers’ Market (2548 Livingston Road). Buy from a wide selection of fresh produce provided by participating local farmers. Market hours are noon-6 p.m. on Fridays, and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Free admission; call 601-987-6783.

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Borders Benefit Day Aug. 20-21, at Borders (100 Dogwood Blvd.). Present a voucher as you check out and the Mustard Seed will receive 20 percent of your purchase. Store hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Vouchers are available at the checkout counter, at mustardseedinc.org and in the Mustard Seed Gift Shop (1085 Luckney Road, Flowood). Call 601-992-3556.

Back to Basics: Back to School Edition Aug. 20, 10 p.m., at Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St.). Performers include PyInfamous, Skipp Coon, James Crown, 5th Child, Trump Card, Jackson and a special invited guest. All proceeds go toward purchasing school supplies for JPS students. $10, $5 with two items from JPS school supply list; e-mail suite106lounge@gmail.com.

Blood Drive Aug. 21, 10 a.m., at Cathedral AME Zion Church (428 W. Northside Drive). The Mississippi Blood Services donor coach will be in the church parking lot.

Donors must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds. Please bring ID. All donors will receive a T-shirt. Call 601-368-2656.

51 SOUTH

8 BALL TOURNAMENT AT 7PM

SATURDAY - AUGUST 21

51 SOUTH

SUNDAY - AUGUST 22

8 BALL TOURNAMENT LIVE DJ AND FREE FOOD

TUESDAY - AUGUST 24

2636 S. Gallatin Jackson, MS 39204

601-961-4747

www.myspace.com/popsaroundthecorner

Olde Towne Market Aug. 21, 9 a.m., in downtown Clinton. Vendors will sell everything from fresh produce to unique handmade crafts on the brick streets of Olde Towne Clinton. Live performances by The Varners and Lane Townsend are included. Free admission; e-mail mainstreetclinton@clintonms.org.

BE THE CHANGE

FRIDAY - AUGUST 20

POOL LEAGUE NIGHT

Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market through Dec. 24, at Old Fannin Road Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Homegrown produce is for sale MondaySaturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday until Christmas Eve. Call 601-919-1690.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings.

To add an event, e-mail all details (phone number, start/end date and time, street address, cost, URL, etc.) to events@jacksonfreepress.com or fax to 601510-9019. The deadline is noon the Thursday prior to the week of publication. Or add the event online yourself; check out jfpevents.com for instructions.

LADIES NIGHT

OPEN MIC & FREE LINE DANCE LESSONS

6A0=3E84F A M A LC O T H E AT R E

South of Walmart in Madison

ALL STADIUM SEATING

3ATURDAY !UGUST

!$!-%+ 63 '2!.4 ,IVE ON 006 AT P M

HAPPY HOUR Mon. thru Sat., 2-7pm 2 for 1 All Mixed Drinks, $1 Off Draft & Wine and 59 Cent Wings

Movie listings for Friday, August 20th thru Thursday, August 26th R

Piranha 3-D

Lottery Ticket PG13 The Switch

PG13

Nanny McPhee PG Returns Vampires Suck

PG13

The Expendables R Eat Pray Love PG13 Scott Pilgrim vs The PG13 World The Other Guys

PG13

Step Up 3-D

PG13

Cats and Dogs (non PG 3-D)

$1.50 Miller Highlife & 59 cent Boneless Wings during All College Football Games

1428 Old Square Road in Jackson 601.713.2700 lastcallsportsgrill.com

Dinner For Schmucks

PG13

Charlie St. Cloud

PG13

Salt

PG13

Ramona and Beezus

G

Inception

PG13

Despicable Me 3-D

PG

Grown Ups

PG13

Earn points towards FREE concessions and movie tickets!

Join the SILVER SCREEN REWARDS

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE DAILY BARGAINS UNTIL 6PM Online Tickets, Birthday Parties, Group & Corporate Events @ www.malco.com

jacksonfreepress.com

3:30-6:30 p.m. and by appointment. Free; call 601942-7285. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Left of the Dialâ&#x20AC;? through Aug. 19, See new Polaroids by Gorjus (David McCarty), collaborative mixed-media work and more. â&#x20AC;˘ Robert Holleman Exhibit Aug. 19-Sept. 17.

See Hollemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibition of Neriage pottery and prints. An opening reception Aug. 19 is from 7-10 p.m.

Movieline: 355-9311 31

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Every Coffee Bean We Brew Supports Non-profits Worldwide.

TO: BIRTH FATHERS: DEVAUGHN TILLMAN AND “JOHN DOE”

You are hereby notified pursuant to SC Code Ann. Sec. 63-9-730, that adoption proceedings have been initiated under the above-referenced case number involving a child of whom you have been named the biological father, which child was born on May 14, 2010.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED AS FOLLOWS:

August 19 - 25, 2010

1. That within thirty (30) days of receiving notice you shall respond in writing by filing with the Clerk of Court at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, notice and reasons to contest, intervene, or otherwise respond; 2. That the Court must be informed of your current address and of any changes in address during the adoption proceedings; and 3. That failure to file a response within thirty (30) days of receiving notice constitutes consent to adoption of the child and forfeiture of all rights and obligations that you may have with respect to the child.

32

Raymond W. Godwin, Esq. 1527 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29609 (864) 241-2883 (Phone) (864) 255-4342 (Facsimile) ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS Greenville, South Carolina July 16, 2010

Bloody Good Time

T

he fictional world of Sookie Stackhouse is a chaotic, bizarre, and dangerous place filled with vampires, werewolves and fairies. Sookie, the protagonist in the Southern Vampire Series and the Emmy Award-winning HBO drama “True Blood,” is a telepathic waitress who falls in love with Bill Compton, a 173-year-old vampire. The story is set in the modern-day small town of Bon Temps, La., where, after the Japanese develop synthetic blood, vampires live and work out in the open, no longer in the shadows.

The creative force behind the story is author and Tunica, Miss., native Charlaine Harris who released the 10th book of the vampire series, “Dead in the Family” (Ace Hardcover, 2010, $29.95), last May and a collection of short stories, “Death’s Excellent Vacation” (Ace Hardcover, 2010, $24.95) released Aug. 3 that includes the tale “Two Blondes” with characters Sookie and vampire Pam. The third season of “True Blood” debuted this summer. Based on Harris’ books, Alan Ball, the show’s creator and producer, has taken her world and turned it into a bloody, sexual ravishment––not for the squeamish or faint of heart.

This season introduced Russell Edgington, the vampire king of Mississippi, played

by Tony Award-winning actor Denis O’Hare.

The king is the oldest vampire alive, somewhere between 2,700 and 2,800 years old.

The third installment of the show is based on the third book in the series, “Club Dead,” with Jackson as its backdrop.

In the book Edgington appears to be a 20-something with a more demure presence, but not so on “True Blood.”

“Russell is a lot more powerful (on screen) than he is in the books. He’s a lot more deadly, and he’s an older guy,” O’Hare says.

“We’re playing him as fairly powerful, menacing, physically imposing—I’m not that tall, 5 foot 8, but I can act big.”

O’Hare says that you can expect much this season. “A lot of trouble, a lot of intrigue, a lot of politics, a lot machinations, a lot of power plays, a lot of betrayal and a lot of blood.”

The opportunity to play the character came while O’Hare was shooting a film in Budapest. “I got a call from New York from my agent asking me if I wanted to be a vampire king in ‘True Blood.’ I paused, and I said, ‘Well yeah.’ I was delighted and called my boyfriend immediately, because he’s a huge fan of the show, and he almost fell out of his chair.”

He and his boyfriend, Hugo, live in Brooklyn, N.Y., with their Shiba Inu dog, Cleopatra, and both were fans of the show. “I just loved it. Just like anybody else, I looked forward to Sunday nights. … The books are very, very enjoyable. I read about four of them, trying to find my character,” O’Hare says.

As a stage actor, O’Hare was used to doing research on characters he took on, and as a student of Roman, Greek and medieval history, he had a lot to draw from to help define Russell. “I didn’t quite know how old Russell

was going to be … I was focusing on Charlemagne and the Middle Ages,” he said. “But then I found out he was older. … He’s a Celt, a druid, a pagan, and he’s from the old Celtic region of the Carpathian Mountains.”

O’Hare explained that Russell’s roots connect him to the earth. “Like all these characters, these people are more complicated than they seem. … He’s got this incredible bond with nature.

Many times in the season, he articulates his frustration and rage that the earth is being abused, and that the humans are not good stewards of the earth. I just find it interesting that even in a show like True Blood, you get some interesting politics coming through.”

Although shooting took place in L.A., O’Hare spent some time in Mississippi.

“Hugo and I spent the night in Jackson and kind of looked around the next day ... saw the sights. We went to that amazing Walker’s Drive-In. That was some of the best food I’ve had in a long time. I was really impressed, very nice people. … The place they are using for (Russell’s) house is an actual plantation called the Longwood Plantation. So we went down to Natchez and spent the day there and walked around Longwood,” he says.

HBO/ John P. Johnson

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF GREENVILLE C.A. NO.: 2010-DR-23-2456 NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AND ADOPTION PROCEEDING

by ShaWanda Jacome Penguin Group

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Denis O’Hare debuted in season three of “True Blood” as Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi.

From the Beginning

“True Blood” hit the airwaves in 2008 and has been rising in popularity ever since.

Ball, who had already enjoyed immense success with HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” picked up the first book in the series on an impulse and couldn’t put it down. He went on to read all the books in the series.

“Charlaine Harris has created a rich world filled with unique characters, a world that’s as terrifying as it is hilarious, as well as sexy, generous and profound,” Ball said in a statement. “I’m humbled she put her trust in me and I look forward to bringing her vision to television.”

Harris, who lives in Arkansas with her family, grew up in the Delta and wanted to be a writer since grade school. Her world of the supernatural is detailed and logical.

Author and Tunica native Charlaine Harris released the 10th book of the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire series, “Dead in the Family,” May of this year.

“I try to blend traditions about such creatures with what will work in the book and what I think will be more interesting,” she says about researching her books. This is evident even in her choice of character names: “My grandmother’s best friend was named Sookie.

It’s a really old southern nickname.”

One would think that the graphic nature of the content would draw negative reaction due to Harris’ affiliation with the church. But Harris says that isn’t the case.

“I haven’t had any negatives comments, which is surprising and kind of wonderful,” she says. “The show is a lot more graphic than the books, so I think I’ve come off well in comparison. The books seem so mild, if you’ve seen the show. I think it’s unrealistic to write a book without any sexual content in it because people do have sex lives. And the book is about a young woman who is learning a lot about herself in all kinds of ways, including sexual.”

Her husband and three adult children are hugely supportive of Harris’ work. “(My son) reads all my books, but he doesn’t say anything about them. And the others are really proud because of the reflective coolness of the show.

All their friends watch the show, even the friends that don’t read the books. So that gets me lots of cool points,” she says.

People root for Sookie Stackhouse— readers hate to see her suffer and are elated when she takes a licking and keeps on ticking, like the proverbial Timex watch. The books provide a refuge for readers, allowing them to live vicariously through the characters.

“I, personally, think that my books are an escape from some of the sadness of everyday life or the boredoms,” Harris says. “I can’t count how many people have written to me saying that my books helped them get through a very bad time in their life.”

But the books are not just for entertainment. Asked if there was an underlying message having to do with the acceptance of minority groups, Harris says: “Sure, I purposely did that. I always have an agenda with my books. There’s always something I’m trying to say beside the plot. … That’s what I was thinking about when I started this series.”

COURTESY BRAD CLARK

Green Couch, No Covers

Hattiesburg TV show “The Green Couch Sessions” boasts local artists, local production and local flair.

I

n an old brick warehouse in downtown Hattiesburg, Paul Burch strums roots music on his guitar. Warm light bounces off hardwood floors and his comfy brown jacket as the song picks up. He breaks a guitar string but keeps playing.

The cameras of “The Green Couch Sessions” keep rolling.

Authentic moments like this keep the Hattiesburg-produced television show honest. An “Austin City Limits” for Mississippi, the program airs on WDAM, a Raycom Media-owned station and NBC affiliate.

Director Brad Clark, 38, hopes WLBT in Jackson and WLOX in Biloxi, two other Raycom Media TV stations in the state, pick up the show. If that happens, it’s possible Louisiana and Alabama stations might pick it up as well. His television crew believes Mississippi Public Broadcasting should also air it.

The concept is simple: Local professionals produce the show about local musicians for a local audience. Co-creator David McRaney, 33, calls it a video version of a college-town al-

will offer its CD for mass consumption at a release party at the historic Alamo Theater on Farish Street Friday night. Also on deck is longtime world fusion/jazz sensations MUGABEE, with Sunni Patterson and Olamide Faison opening, 9 p.m. $15.

The Eclectik Soul after-party will be at the Afrika Book Café in Fondren.

Friday night is also the “Dance with the Stars” benefit for the Mississippi Opera at the Old Capital Inn. The Capitol City Stage Band will provide music for the event.

7 p.m. Tickets are $75 at the door. Call 601960-2300 or visit msopera.org for details.

You’ll find tougher options Saturday night, with hard-rock favorites Full Moon Circus at Electric Cowboy, and Rock 93.9 alt rockers One Less Reason and Cleverform at Fire. Old-school Jackson blues royalty King Edward returns to Underground 119 this Saturday night.

If you’re looking for something classical in nature, the Mississippi Community Symphonic Band at the Belhaven Center for the Arts on Riverside Drive this Saturday night fits the bill. It’s a volunteer community

S

torage 24—Best of Jackson Local Rock Band winner has a new band member. After bass player Ronny Childs suffered a traumatic accident that’s left him in critical condition since May (keep him in your thoughts), Blake E. Childs became the band’s new bass player.

Storage 24 is booking shows for regional state fairs, including the Louisiana State Fair in October.

The band is also working on its self-titled and selfproduced album “Storage 24” and will soon release a video for the single “Long Gone.” and was a familiar voice on WUSM radio for years. His role with “The Green Couch Sessions” is interviewing artists. He gets them to talk, yet is never seen or heard on camera.

While taping the Thomas Jackson Orchestra, Davis says everyone was aware of the history surrounding the set, especially Thomas Jackson. “There were ghosts in the bar,” Davis says. “Jelly Roll Morton played just down the street, around the corner. (Jackson) was aware of that.”

The criteria for a band to get on the show is as simple and as straightforward as the show’s stripped-down packaging.

“They have to be from here or play here,” Clark says.

“And no cover songs.”

“They can’t suck,” Royals adds.

The musicians don’t suck. Caroline Crawford, Cary Hudson, T-Bone and the Breaks, Thomas Jackson Orchestra, This Orange Four, Red Hill City, ¡Los Buddies! and Matthew Funchess have all taped episodes in various Hattiesburg venues.

The first season ends Aug. 29. Clark doesn’t know yet if a second season will air. At least 50 bands have called him, though, asking to be on. “We want to expose what’s already here, then bring in more bands, venues and artists,” Clark says.

“We can’t afford to open a bar.”

Watch “The Green Couch Sessions” at www.thegreencouch sessions.com.

symphony of locals who love classic popular music. The show is free, and it’s something for the whole family, too, 7 p.m.

Gearing up for Celtic Fest next month, Celtic Fest Mississippi is putting on an authentic Irish/Celtic concert and fundraiser with Fuchsia from Cork, Ireland. The band performs in the courtyard of Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road) this Saturday, 7 p.m.; $10 at the door, $5 for those under 18. Check out the band at thefuchsiaband.com. For more Irish fun, check out the monthly Ceili at Fenian’s this Sunday with Irish music and dancing, 2-5 p.m. Free.

If you’re looking for a road-trip destination this Saturday, call 601-696-2200 or visit msurileycenter.com to reserve your $25 tickets for the Next Generation Blues Concert at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian. Slated to perform are some of the best performers on the Mississippi blues scene including Eddie Cotton, Grady Champion, Dexter Allen and Jarekus Singleton.

Fire hosts another all-ages hard-rock show Tuesday, Aug. 24, with Mary Magdalan featuring Sid from Slipnot, plus Rikets

COURTESY BROTHER TROUBLE

I

f you haven’t checked out Poet’s II, yet, you should. It’s bringing in high-caliber bands worth hearing. This Thursday night, country-rock sibling duo Brother Trouble will be there at 9 p.m. You might know these brothers as the grand-prize winner of Kenny Chesney’s “Next Big Star” competition. Check them out pre-show at brothertrouble.com.

There’s something for everyone who likes live music this Friday night. Giving props to Led Zeppelin, The Black Lips and The White Stripes, the Louisville, Ky.-based Bad Reeds and opening act Black Bone Child will bring the alt-garage blues goodness to Ole Tavern Friday night. The bands have that punk-inspired, dirty-blues-juke thing going like Jack White, so the jams will make for good times. Also, Kamikaze and Dreamz Jxn will host a cross-cultural line up of hip-hop, R&B and rock with Storage 24, SMAASH, Bad Eye Mike and a few others.

Modern nu-soul favorites Eclectik Soul

ternative newspaper. The idea started when McRaney, WDAM webmaster, wanted to add an online entertainment guide with videos of local bands. They never made it to the website, but the videos were great. McRaney and Clark brainstormed—on a green couch in the WDAM production room.

Clark, who makes commercials for WDAM, has been in several bands. In the 1990s, he was in Seven Tongues Spoke.

“The music scene back then was sort of tucked away from the light of day,” Clark says. “Now the music scene feels much larger, and with so many great bands in Jackson and all the incredible music happening in Oxford, there’s now a feeling that original music in Mississippi has found its place. And there’s a much larger audience ready and waiting to hear what’s next.”

Clark also plays with Buffalo Nickel.

“We’re going to release our third album, ‘Liberty Road,’ in the near future,” he says. “That was the most successful band I’ve been in to date. We got to play CMJ (College Music Journal’s annual shindig) in New York and SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, record three albums and open for Wilco when they played Meridian a few years ago.”

Clark and McRaney had to sell their bosses on the television show idea. They got the go-ahead to tape 10 shows. “I ‘Mad Men’-ed it up,” McRaney says. “The idea was cool, but quality sold it.”

One night at The Thirsty Hippo, he bumped into Ryan Royals, an audio engineer, and asked if he could bring his equipment to the shoots. Royals, 34, who owns Rec Room Recording and heads up Skeeter Hawk Records, loved the idea.

Clark brags about Royals, saying some of his recordings actually sound better than some of the bands’ professional recordings.

Clark also brought in Mik Davis, who had played in Seven Tongues Spoke, too. Davis has a reputation as a Mississippimusic aficionado. He laughs about this title as he sits in T-Bone Records, where he works amid vintage vinyl and coffeehouse aromas. He also writes music reviews for various publications

New Storage 24 Player

Next generation country-rock duo Brother Trouble performs at Poet’s II Thursday night.

and Blue Felix, 8 p.m. Another big show at Fire happens next Saturday, Aug. 28, when southern-rock/bluesman Corey Smith performs at 9 p.m. $20. Mark your calendars for roots-rock favorite Cary Hudson who debuts his new band The Piney Woods Playboys at Hal & Mal’s Thursday, Aug. 26.

For a more straight-up alternative/indie rock vibe, check out the New Orleansbased Rotary Downs with Big Rock Candy Mountain at Martin’s next Friday night, Aug. 27, 10 p.m. $5. Inspired by heavy doses of Elephant Six indie-psych rock, Rotary Downs has been gaining more fans with every return to Martin’s. Stream them up at rotarydowns.com.

—Herman Snell

jacksonfreepress.com

by Valerie Wells

COURTESY STORAGE 24

music

33

livemusic Wednesday, August 18th

Ladies’ Night w/ Snazz 8:30 p.m. - Guys’ Cover $5

BUY 1, GET 1 WELLS

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR aLL sHows 10pm unLess noted WEDNESDAY

Bike Night w/ Krazy Karaoke 8/18

Ladies night ladies drink all you can 8pm-12am for $5 - no cover THURSDAY

8/19

80’s night Different theme each week FRIDAY

Thursday, August 19th

8/20

TAYLOR HILDEBRAND

7:00 p.m. - No Cover

$2 MARGARITAS! Friday, august 20th

Crossroads

8:30 p.m. - $5 cover Saturday, august 21th

Josh Burton 8:30 p.m. - $5 cover Exquisite Dining at

The Rio Grande Restaurant

400 Greymont Ave., Jackson 601-969-2141 www.regencyjackson.com

NFL SUNDAY TICKET 20 FLATSCREEN TVS

WATCH YOUR TEAM @ THE LODGE

W/ DEAD GAZE SATURDAY

8/21

SPACEWOLF SUNDAY

8/22

KArAoKE MONDAY

8/23

OPEN MIC JAM TUESDAY

8/24

MATT’S LATE NIGHT KARAOKE

$2 MARGARITAS $1 HIGHLIFE & PBR WEDNESDAY

8/25

Ladies night August 19 - 25, 2010

ladies drink all you can

34

8pm-12am for $5 - no cover 214 S. State St. • 601.354.9712 downtown jackson www.martinSlounge.net

lunch specials - $7.95 includes tea & dessert

WED. LADIES NIGHT & KARAOKE

THURS. BUDWEISER GAMES NIGHT PRIZES & FREE SCHWAG

FRI. JASON TURNER 9:30PM - 1:30AM NO COVER CHARGE

COLLEGE NIGHT BRING STUDENT ID

SAT.

ESPN COLLEGE

GAMEDAY

BEER

BUCKET

SPECIALS DURING FOOTBALL GAMES!

MON.

IN-DA-BIZ NIGHT

2 FOR 1 TUES.

JACKPOT TRIVIA $2 DOMESTICS

BLOODY MARYS $4 ON SUNDAY & MIMOSAS ARE $3 ON SUNDAY, 2-FOR-1 MONDAYS

Aug. 19, Thursday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free; Amazing Lazy Boi & the Blues at Sunset Challenge Band 10-4 a.m. free Lumpkin’s BBQ - Jesse Robinson (blues lunch) 11:30-1:30 p.m.

Poet’s II - Shaun Patterson 4:307:30 p.m.; Brother Trouble (country-rock/Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star) 9 p.m. brothertrouble.com Jxn Convention Complex - Downtown at Dusk (music/food) 5 p.m. free Underground 119 - Booker Walker 8 p.m. free Dreamz Jxn - Akami & Key of G 9 p.m. $5 930 Blues Cafe - Jackie Bell, Norman Clark & Smoke Stack Lightning 9 p.m. $5 Time Out - Shaun Patterson 9-12 a.m.

Cherokee Inn - D’lo Trio 6:30-10 p.m.

Last Call - Eddie “D.J. Old School” Harvey Fenian’s - Spirits of the House (Irish) 8 p.m.

Congress St. Grill - Brock Bailey & Prayer Dorsey 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Ole Tavern - DJ Nick Shucker’s - Rhythm Masters 7:3011:30 p.m. free Parker House - Dirty Laundry 7 p.m.

Philip’s, Rez - Bubba & His Guitar 6-9 p.m. free Regency Hotel - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Electric Cowboy - DJ Cadillac 9 p.m.

McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Roberts Walthall - Ben Payton (blues) 6:30-10 p.m.

Aug. 20, Friday F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues/solo) noon; Miss. Sound w/ Jesse “Guitar” Smith 12-4 a.m. $10 Lumpkin’s BBQ - Virgil Brawley (blues lunch) 12-2 p.m.

Dreamz Jxn - SummerSlam: Storage 24, SMAASH, Bad Eye Mike (rock/hip-hop) 9:30 p.m.

The Alamo, Farish St - Sunni Patterson, Olamide Faison, MUGABEE, NYC Crew, Eclectik Soul (cd release) 9 p.m. $15 eclectiksoul3.com Ole Tavern - Black Bone Child, The Bad Reeds (alt garage blues) 10 p.m. myspace.com/thebadreeds Martin’s - Taylor Hildebrand, Dead Gaze 10 p.m. myspace.com/ deadgazetunes Electric Cowboy - DJ Cadillac 9 p.m.

Old Capital Inn - Miss. Opera Benefit: Dance with the Stars w/ Capitol City Stage Band 7 p.m. $75, 601-960-2300, msopera.org Underground 119 - Scott Albert Johnson (blues juke) 9-1 a.m. $10 Suite 106, 106 Wilmington - Back 2 Basics: PyInfamous, Skipp Coon, James Crown, 5th Child, Trump Card, Jackson,+ 10 p.m. $10 Regency Hotel - Crossroads 9 p.m.

Cultural Expressions, 147 Millsaps Ave - Mr. C-Lecta’s Reggae Underground 10-2 a.m.

Poet’s II - Southbound 930 Blues Cafe - Jackie Bell, Roosevelt Robinson 9:30 p.m. $10 Afrika Book Cafe - Eclectik Soul After Party 8-1 a.m.

Shucker’s - Snazz 8-1 a.m. $5

Kristo’s - Mike & Marty Dick & Jane’s - Show Night/DJ Allen 9 p.m. $6; 18+ $10 McB’s - Home Remedy 8-11:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Hunter Gibson (classic rock) 7-10 p.m.

RJ Barrel - Shaun Patterson 7:309:30 p.m.

Little Willie’s - Jan Jennings 6-10 p.m. free Irish Frog - Reed Smith 6:30-10 p.m.

Reed Pierce’s - Monkey Bone 9-1 a.m. free Ameristar, V’burg - Meet the Press, The Fortunes Whistle Stop, Hazlehurst - Jeff Reynolds & Richard McCain

Aug. 21, Saturday Electric Cowboy - Full Moon Circus (hard rock) 9 p.m.

Fire - One Less Reason, Cleverform 9 p.m. myspace.com/onelessreason Jackson Coliseum - Summer Jam: Gucci Mane w/ Yung LA, Tierra Marie, Michael Blackson 8 p.m.

Underground 119 - King Edward (blues) 9-1 a.m. $10 Martin’s - Spacewolf, + 10 p.m.

Fenian’s - Ben Payton & the Thundering Harps (blues) 9 p.m.

Burgers & Blues - Delta Mountain Boys 7-11 p.m.

Belhaven Center for the Arts, Riverside Dr - Mississippi Community Symphonic Band/MS Swing 7 p.m. free F. Jones Corner - The Bailey Bros. w/Hollywood 12-4 a.m. $10 Poet’s II - Chasing Scarlett Ole Tavern - Red Hill City, Sun Hotel 10 p.m.

930 Blues Cafe - Jackie Bell, Roosevelt Robinson 9:30 p.m. $10 Shucker’s - Will & Linda 3-7 p.m. free; Snazz 8-1 a.m. $5 Philip’s, Rez - Home Remedy (Southern Rock) 6-10 p.m. free Regency Hotel - Josh Burton 9 p.m.

McB’s - Buie, Hamman & Porter 7:30-11:30 p.m. free Dick & Jane’s - House Party/DJ Allen 9 p.m. $6; 18+ $10 Covenant Presbyterian (Courtyard), 4000 Ridgewood - Fuchsia 7 p.m. $10, $5 under 18 thefuchsiaband.com Petra Cafe, Clinton - Karaoke 8 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - The Rainmakers (classic rock) 8-12 a.m.

Jefferson St., Clinton - Olde Towne Market: The Varners, Lane Townsend (arts, crafts, music) 9-1 p.m.

Brandon Municipal Complex - Brandon Opry: Shilo 6:30 p.m.; Country Jack 7:30 p.m. 601-214-9269 Reed Pierce’s - Monkey Bone 9-1 a.m. free Ameristar, V’burg - Meet the Press, The Fortunes Whistle Stop, Hazlehurst - Reed Rodgers MSU Riley Center, Meridian - Next Gen Blues: Eddie Cotton, Grady Champion, Dexter Allen, Jarekus Singleton $25, 601-6962200, msurileycenter.com

Aug. 22, Sunday King Edward Hotel - Howard Jones Jazz (brunch) 11-2 p.m.

Lumpkin’s BBQ - Mac James & Randy (R&B lunch) 12-2 p.m.

8/22 Deftones - House of Blues, N.O. 8/27 Billy Idol - IP Casino, Biloxi; 8/28 Resorts Casino, Tunica 8/31 Tegan & Sara - WorkPlay, Birmingham

Fenian’s - Ceili (Irish music/dance) 2-5 p.m. free Shucker’s - Rhythm Masters 3-8 p.m. free Warehouse - Mike & Marty Open Jam Session 6-10 p.m. free Fitzgerald’s - Andy Hardwick (brunch) 11-2 p.m.

Sophia’s, Fairview Inn - Knight Bruce 11 a.m. (brunch) Burgers & Blues - The Fides 5-9 p.m.

F. Jones Corner - Norman Clark & the Smokestack Lightning Band 6-10 p.m. free Philip’s, Rez - Shades of Green 5:30-9:30 p.m. free Cultural Expressions - Poetry Ameristar, V’burg - The Fortunes Tavern, H’burg - Protomen (rock)

Aug. 23, Monday Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Central Miss.

Blues Society Jam 8-11 p.m. $5 F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues lunch) free Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson & Rick Moreira 8-12 a.m. free Martin’s - Open Mic Free Jam 10 p.m. free Fenian’s - Karaoke 8-1 a.m.

Dreamz - Marley Mondays/DJ 6 p.m.

Irish Frog - Open Mic 6:30-10 p.m.

Aug. 24, Tuesday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free Lumpkin’s BBQ - Josh Taylor 12-2 p.m.

Fire - Sid of Slipnot w/Mary Magdalan, Rikets, Blue Felix 8 p.m. myspace.com/marymagdalan Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Pub Quiz 8 p.m. $2 Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Martin’s - Karaoke 10 p.m. free AJ’s Seafood - Hunter Gibson 7-9 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker Ole Tavern - Open Mic Shucker’s - The Xtremez 7:3011:30 p.m. free Time Out - Open Mic 8 p.m.

McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free LD’s Kitchen, V’burg - Blue Monday Band 8:30 p.m.

Aug. 25, Wednesday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Singer/ Songwriter Night 8 p.m. free Fenian’s - Intellectual Bulimics (comedy); The Hardline Monks (Southern Rock) 9 p.m.

Electric Cowboy - Battle of the Bands Playoffs (rock) 8 p.m.

Shucker’s - Fingers Taylor & Mark Whittington 7:30-11:30 p.m. free Underground 119 - Virgil Brawley & Steve Chester 8 p.m. free Burgers & Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Ole Tavern - Karaoke Parker House - Chris Gill & the Soleshakers 7 p.m.

Cultural Expressions - Queen B & Bobby Jonz (blues) Regency Hotel - Snazz 8:30 p.m. myspace.com/snazzband2 Philip’s, Rez - DJ/Karaoke 7-10 p.m. free Whistle Stop, Hazlehurst - Reed Rodgers 7:30 p.m.

venuelist Footloose Bar and Grill 4661 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9944 Freelon’s Bar And Groove 440 N. Mill St., Jackson, 601-353-5357 (hip-hop) Fusion Coffeehouse Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-6001 Gold Strike Casino 1010 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, 888-245-7529 Grand Casino Biloxi 280 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, 228-436-2946 Grand Casino Tunica 13615 Old Highway 61 North, Robinsonville, 800-39-GRAND The Green Room 444 Bounds St., Jackson, 601-713-3444 Ground Zero Blues Club 0 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, 662-621-9009 Grownfolks’s Lounge 4030 Medgar Evers Blvd, Jackson, 601-362-6008 Hal & Mal’s 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson, 601-948-0888 (pop/rock/blues) Hamp’s Place 3028 W. Northside Dr., Jackson, 601-981-4110 (dance/dj) Hard Rock Biloxi 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-ROCK Hat & Cane 1115 E. McDowell Rd., Jackson, 601-352-0411 Hauté Pig 1856 Main St., Madison, 601853-8538 Here We Go Again 3002 Terry Road, Jackson, 601-373-1520 Horizon Casino Mulberry Lounge 1310 Mulberry St., Vicksburg, 800-843-2343 Horseshoe Bar 5049 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-6191 Horseshoe Casino Tunica, 800-303-7463 The Hunt Club 1525 Ellis Ave., Jackson, 601-944-1150 Huntington Grille 1001 E. County Line Rd., Jackson, 601-957-1515 The Ice House 515 S. Railroad Blvd., McComb, 601-684-0285 (pop/rock) The Irish Frog 5o7 Springridge Rd., Clinton, 601-448-4185 JC’s 425 North Mart Plaza, Jackson, 601-362-3108 James Meredith Lounge 217 Griffith St. 601-969-3222 Julep Restaurant and Bar 105 Highland Village, Jackson, 601-362-1411 Kathryn’s Steaks and Seafood 6800 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland. 601-956-2803 Koinonia Coffee House 136 S. Adam St., Suite C, Jackson, 601-960-3008 Kristos 971 Madison Ave., Madison, 601-605-2266 LaRae’s 210 Parcel Dr., Jackson, 601-944-0660 Last Call Sports Grill 1428 Old Square Road, Jackson, 601-713-2700 The Library Bar & Grill 120 S. 11th St., Oxford, 662-234-1411 The Loft 1306 A. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-629-6188 The Lyric Oxford 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford. 662-234-5333 Main Event Sports Bar & Grill 4659 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9987 Manda’s Pub 614 Clay Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6607 Martin’s Lounge 214 S. State St., Jackson, 601-354-9712 (rock/jam/blues) McB’s Restaurant 815 Lake Harbor Dr., Ridgeland, 601-956-8362 (pop/rock) Mellow Mushroom 275 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-7499 Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music 103 Magnolia, Edwards, 601-977-7736 Mississippi Coliseum 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson, 601-353-0603 Mississippi Opera P.O. Box 1551, Jackson, 877-MSOPERA, 601-960-2300 Mississippi Opry 2420 Old Brandon Rd., Brandon, 601-331-6672 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra 201 East Pascagoula St., Jackson, 800-898-5050 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium 2531 N. State St., Jackson, 601-354-6021 Monte’s Steak and Seafood 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-8182 Mugshots 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-713-0383 North Midtown Arts Center 121 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-497-7454 Okasions 1766 Ellis Avenue, Jackson, 601-373-4037 Old Venice Pizza Co. 1428 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-366-6872

Ole Tavern on George Street 416 George St., Jackson, 601-960-2700 Olga’s 4760 I-55 North, Jackson, 601-366-1366 (piano) One to One Studio 121 Millsaps Ave., in the Millsaps Arts District, Jackson One Blue Wall 2906 N State St., Jackson, 601-713-1224 Peaches Restaurant 327 N. Farish St., Jackson, 601-354-9267 Pelican Cove 3999A Harborwalk Dr., Ridgeland, 601-605-1865 Pig Ear Saloon 160 Weisenberger Rd., Gluckstadt, 601-898-8090 Pig Willies 1416 Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-634-6872 Poet’s II 1855 Lakeland Dr., 601- 364-9411 Pool Hall 3716 I-55 North Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-713-2708 Pop’s Saloon 2636 Gallatin St., Jackson, 601-961-4747 (country) Proud Larry’s 211 S. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, 662-236-0050 The Pub Hwy. 51, Ridgeland, 601-898-2225 The Quarter Bistro & Piano Bar 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-4900 Que Sera Sera 2801 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-2520 Red Room 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson (Hal & Mal’s), 601-948-0888 (rock/alt.)

Reed Pierce’s 6791 Siwell Rd., Byram, 601-376-0777, 601-376-4677 Regency Hotel Restaurant & Bar 420 Greymont Ave., Jackson, 601-969-2141 Rick’s Cafe 318 Hwy 82 East, #B, Starkville, 662-324-7425 RJ Barrel 111 N. Union 601-667-3518 Sal and Mookie’s 565 Taylor St. 601368-1919 Sam’s Lounge 5035 I-55 N. Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-983-2526 Sam’s Town Casino 1477 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, 800-456-0711 Schimmel’s Fine Dining 2615 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-7077 Scrooge’s 5829 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-206-1211 Shuckers on the Reservoir 116 Conestoga Rd., Ridgeland, 601-853-0105 Silver Star Casino Hwy. 16 West, Choctaw, 800-557-0711 Soop’s The Ultimate 1205 Country Club Dr., Jackson, 601-922-1402 (blues) Soulshine Pizza 1139 Old Fannin Rd., Brandon, 601-919-2000 Soulshine Pizza 1111 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-8646 Sportsman’s Lodge 1220 E. Northside Dr. at I-55, Jackson, 601-366-5441 Stone Pony Oyster Bar 116 Commercial Parkway, Canton, 601-859-0801 Super Chikan’s Place 235 Yazoo Ave., Clarksdale, 662-627-7008 Thalia Mara Hall 255 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, 601-960-1535 Thirsty Hippo 211 Main St., Hattiesburg, 601-583-9188 Time Out Sports Bar 6270 Old Canton Rd., 601-978-1839 Top Notch Sports Bar 109 Culley Dr., Jackson, 601- 362-0706 Touch Night Club 105 E. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-969-1110 Two Rivers Restaurant 1537 W. Peace St., Canton, 601-859-9979 (blues) Two Sisters Kitchen 707 N. Congress St. 601-353-1180 Two Stick 1107 Jackson Ave., Oxford, 662-236-6639 Under the Boardwalk 2560 Terry Rd., Jackson, 601-371-7332 Underground 119 119 S. President St. 601352-2322 VB’s Premier Sports Bar 1060 County Line Rd., Ridgland, 601-572-3989 VFW Post 9832 4610 Sunray Drive, Jackson, 601-982-9925 Vicksburg Convention Center 1600 Mulberry Street, Vicksburg, 866-822-6338 Walker’s Drive-In 3016 N. State St., Jackson, 601-982-2633 (jazz/pop/folk) The Warehouse 9347 Hwy 18 West, Jackson, 601-502-8580 (pop/rock) Wired Expresso Cafe 115 N. State St. 601-500-7800

Weekly Lunch Specials

Open for dinner Sat. 4-10pm thursday

AUGUST 19

LADIES NIGHT with MR. NICK! LADIES DRINK FREE

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

friday

AUGUST 20

BLACK BONE CHILD W/

THE BAD REEDS saturday

AUGUST 21

RED HILL CITY WITH

SUN HOTEL monday

AUGUST 23

2-for-1 Draft tuesday

AUGUST 24

OPEN MIC with Cody Cox *DOLLAR BEER* wednesday

AUGUST 25

KARAOKE w/ CASEY AND NICK FREE WiFi Open Mon-Sat, Kitchen open Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm & Sat 4-10 pm

jacksonfreepress.com

88 Keys 3645 Hwy. 80 W in Metrocenter, Jackson, 601-352-7342 930 Blues Cafe 930 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-948-3344 Alamo Theatre 333 N. Farish St, Jackson, 601-352-3365 Alley Cats 165 W. Peace St., Canton, 601-855-2225 Alumni House Sports Grill 574 Hwy. 50, Ridgeland, 601-855-2225 America Legion Post 1 3900 W. Northside Dr., Jackson, 601-605-9903 Ameristar Casino, Bottleneck Blues Bar 4146 Washington St., Vicksburg, 800-700-7770 Beau Rivage Casino 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 800-566-7469 Belhaven College Center for the Arts 835 Riverside Dr, Jackson, 601-968-5930 Bennie’s Boom Boom Room 142 Front St., Hattiesburg, 601-408-6040 Borrello’s 1306 Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-638-0169 Buffalo Wild Wings 808 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-856-0789 Burgers and Blues 1060 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-899-0038 Capri-Pix Theatre 3021 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-9606 Central City Complex 609 Woodrow Wilson Dr., Jackson, 601-352-9075 Cerami’s 5417 Highway 25, Flowood, 601-919-2829 Char Restaurant 4500 I-55, Highland Village, Jackson, 601-956-9562 Cherokee Inn 1410 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-362-6388 Club 43 Hwy 43, Canton, 601-654-3419, 601-859-0512 Club City Lights 200 N. Mill St., Jackson, 601-353-0059 Club O’Hara 364 Monticello St., Hazlehurst, 601-894-5674 Club Total 342 N. Gallatin St., Jackson, 601-714-5992 Congress Street Bar & Grill 120 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-968-0857 The Commons Gallery 719 N. Congress St., 601-352-3399 Couples Entertainment Center 4511 Byrd Drive, Jackson, 601-923-9977 Crawdad Hole 1150 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-982-9299 Crickett’s Lounge 4370 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-0500 Crossroads Bar & Lounge 3040 Livingston Rd., Jackson, 601-984-3755 (blues) Cultural Expressions 147 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-665-0815 (neosoul/hip-hop) Cups in Fondren 2757 Old Canton Road, Jackson, 601-362-7422 (acoustic/pop) Cups in the Quarter 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-981-9088 Davidson’s Corner Market 108 W. Center St., Canton, 601-855-2268 (pop/rock) Debo’s 180 Raymond Road, Jackson, 601-346-8283 Diamond Jack’s Casino 3990 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 1-877-711-0677 Dick & Jane’s 206 Capitol St., Jackson, 601-944-0123 (dance/alternative) Dixie Diamond 1306 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6297 Dollar Bills Dance Saloon 103 A Street, Meridian, 601-693-5300 Dreamz 426 West Capitol Street, Jackson, 601-720-0663 Edison Walthall Hotel 225 E. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-948-6161 Electric Cowboy 6107 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-899-5333 (country/ rock/dance) Executive Place 2440 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-987-4014 F. Jones Corner 303 N. Farish St. 601983-1148 Fenian’s 901 E. Fortification Street, Jackson, 601-948-0055 (rock/Irish/folk) Fire 209 Commerce St., Jackson, 601592-1000 (rock/dance/dj) Final Destination 5428 Robinson Rd. Ext., Jackson, (pop/rock/blues) Fitzgerald’s Martini Bar 1001 E. County Line Road, Jackson, 601-957-2800 Flood’s Bar and Grill 2460 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-713-4094

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dining

by Jo Barksdale

A Colorful Shower

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he bridal shower is a day where a bride has the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with her female friends and family. If you are hosting the event, it is your responsibility to orchestrate a memorable and unique day for your bride. Along with lots of activities, incorporate a theme into the day, such as friendship.

A friendship bridal shower consists of friends giving their time and talent instead of purchasing gifts. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great theme for groups, especially office or church groups, as well as an opportunity to show love and attention to the new bride.

Shower invitations should direct guests to bring a slip of paper with the special talent or gift they would like to give to the bride-to-be as her wedding present or shower gift. They should include their phone numbers and any other necessary information to â&#x20AC;&#x153;redeemâ&#x20AC;? the gift. Place the slips of paper into a basket or wedding goblet decorated with white ribbon and small flowers for the honoree to read aloud, perhaps after serving refreshments.

A time and talent gift can be as small as a tray or two of the Benedictine sandwiches, or an offer to run errands to help with the wedding, or assist in the kitchen or reception area on the wedding day. It can also be as generous as offering your time-share for the honeymoon, or making the bridal gown or wedding cake.

If you are the shower hostess, make sure to follow up with guests after the party to make sure they â&#x20AC;&#x153;make goodâ&#x20AC;? on the time and talent gifts. The person giving the gift should also call the bride-to-be a few days after the shower.

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On a Budget, On the Go Jessie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guitarâ&#x20AC;? Smith, 5 - 9pm

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Gift Cards to 1st-3rd Place Winners

36

601.978.1839

6270 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39211

W

hen youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a budget, taking your lunch to work or school is a great way to save money and eat nutritiously.

You can control portions and bring healthy options, so you (and your kids) donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to rely on vending machines or cafeteria meals that are often highly processed.

On the other hand, your life is busy. Amid the morning rush, sometimes it is easier to resort to lunches out or cafeteria food. Still, with a bit of planning, you can develop creative ways to ensure, healthy, filling, and frugal meals for you and your little ones.

Cook extra at dinnertime. For a long time, I avoided leftovers like the plague. Since Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been developing my cooking skills and learning new tricks to make my food taste great, however, I actually enjoy eating the remainders the next day. Some of my favorite lunches are leftover-based, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so easy. How hard is it to cook a bit more rice, bake one or two extra salmon filets or sautĂŠ a

BENEDICTINE SANDWICHES The Benedictine Sandwich is an old recipe created at a time when food coloring was in vogue. It was a tradition at formal weddings and teas. You can leave the food coloring out and serve the filling on whole wheat bread. You also can use low-fat cream cheese. Plan to make at least two triangles per guest.

2 thin slices onion 2 teaspoons mayonnaise 1/2 medium cucumber (peeled and sliced) Dash of garlic salt Dash of cayenne pepper 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2-3 drops green food coloring 1 loaf thin-sliced white bread

Mince onion and cucumber in blender.

Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise with mixer. Add onion-cucumber mixture, seasonings and food coloring. Mix on low speed. Refrigerate until thick.

Make sandwiches, then trim crusts and cut into triangles.

Makes approximately 54 triangles.

Variation: Add additional mayonnaise and use as a dip for veggies or crackers. Or, pile on top of washed and cut celery stalks.

by Katie Stewart

few more vegetables? A fast-food cheeseburger pales in comparison to a delicious homemade meal. To help make lunches convenient, stock Pyrex or Tupperware containers for easy transportation.

Make healthy choices that are portable. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to reach for a bag of chips or a fast-food meal because you can take them with you easily. Truthfully, a little preparation helps make healthy food just as convenient. To stave off impulse lunches, pack fruits and vegetables like apples and celery sticks. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re used to sweets at lunch, pack peanut butterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it goes well with apples and celery, adds protein and helps calm sugar cravings.

Avoid soda. When you are around vending machines all day, it is tempting to drink one or two or more throughout the day. As a cost-efficient solution, pack healthy drinks that will quench your thirst and help you resist sugary sodas. Try a thermos of unsweet tea, or ice water with a lime for added flavor, or a small container of 100 percent juice. All of these choices are good for you and much cheaper than vending-machine soft drinks.

Let treats be treats. If your children enjoy buying candy and junk food in the school cafeteria, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to give them a limited allowance, such as $5 per week, so they can enjoy treats in moderation. They will learn to manage money, and they will begin to see candy, sodas and processed food as occasional treats, rather than an everyday lifestyle.

Prepare lunch the night before. Everything is hectic and rushed in the morning, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough to get everyone out the door with a healthy lunch. Take 10 or 15 minutes in the evening to get lunch ready, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re assured that the morning will be much smoother and everyone will eat well.

Lunch should be delicious as well as healthy. By turning to real food that you bring from home, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save money and have more energy throughout the afternoon.

%*/&+BDLTPO Paid listyour yourrestaurant.r restaurant.r Paid advertising advertising section. section. Call Call 601-362-6121 601-362-6121 x11 x1 totolist

(318 South State Street,601-592-1000) Next to Club Fire in downtown, Fuego is Jackson’s all-new Mexican restaurant—complete with the monster menu! Nachos, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, combo plates—even veggie options—are offered right alongside the margarita pitchers you expect. Arriba!

FULL LUNCH

Serving:

bakery Broad Street Bakery (4465 Interstate 55 N. 601-362-2900) NEW MENU! Hot breakfast,coffee espresso drinks, fresh breads and pastries, gourmet deli sandwiches, quiches, soups, pizzas, pastas and dessert. A “see and be seen” Jackson institution!

Campbell’s Bakery (3013 N State Street 601-362-4628) Now serving lunch! Cookies, cakes and cupcakes are accompanied by good coffee and a fullcooked Southern breakfast on weekdays in this charming bakery in Fondren.

For Heaven’s Cakes (4950 Old Canton Road 601-991-2253) Cakes and cupcakes for all occasions including weddings, parties, catered events. Owner Dani Mitchell Turk was features on the Food Network’s ultimate recipe showdown.

Crazy Cat Bakers (Highland Village Suite #173 601-362-7448) Amazing sandwiches: Meatloaf Panini, Mediterranean Vegetarian, Rotisserie Chicken to gourmet pimento cheese. Outlandish desserts. Now open for dinner Wednesday through Friday.

Primos Cafe (2323 Lakeland 601-936-3398/ 515 Lake Harbour 601-898-3400) A Jackson institution featuring a full breakfast (with grits and biscuits), blue-plate specials, catfish, burgers, prime rib, oysters, po-boys and wraps. Save room for something from their famous bakery!

ItalIan BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N., Jackson, 601-982-8111) Wood-fired pizzas, vegetarian fare, plus creative pastas, beef, and seafood specials. Wonderful atmosphere and service. Bravo! walks away with tons of Best of Jackson awards every year.

Cerami’s (5417 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-919-28298) Southern-style Italian cuisine features their signature Shrimp Cerami (white wine sauce, capers artichokes) along with veal, tilapia, crawfish, chicken and pasta dishes. Now with liquor license!

Fratesi’s (910 Lake Harbour, Ridgeland, 601-956-2929) “Authentic, homey, unpretentious” that’s how the regulars describe Fratesi’s, a staple in Jackson for years, offering great Italian favorites with loving care. The tiramisu is a must-have!

barbeque Hickory Pit Barbeque (1491 Canton Mart Rd. 601-956-7079) The “Best Butts in Town” features BBQ chicken, beef and pork sandwiches along with burgers and po’boys. Wet or dry pork ribs, chopped pork or beef, and all the sides.

Lumpkins BBQ (182 Raymond Rd. Jackson 866-906-0942) Specializing in smoked barbeque, Lumpkin’s offers all your favorites for on-site family dining or for catered events, including reunions, office events, annivesaries, weddings and more.

Rib Shack B.B.Q. & Seafood (932 J.R. Lynch Street, Jackson, 601-665-4952) Hickory-smoked BBQ beef or pork ribs, BBQ chicken, giant chopped BBQ beef or pork sandwiches. Fried catfish, pan trout, fried shrimp, po boys. Tuesday-Thursday (11am-8pm) Fri-Sat (11am-10pm).

asIan

Entree, 2 Sides, Bread & Beverage Down Home Cooking Downtown

Enjoy

coffee houses Cups Espresso Café (Multiple Locations, www.cupsespressocafe.com) Jackson’s local group of coffeehouses offer high-end Arabica beans, a wide variety of espresso drinks, fresh brewed coffee and a selection of pastries and baked goods. Free wi-fi.

Wired Espresso Café (115 N State St 601-500-7800) This downtown coffeehouse across from the Old Capitol focuses on being a true gathering place, featuring great coffee and a selection of breakfast, lunch and pastry items. Free wi-fi.

$9.00 with tax

H OT P ASTA D ISHES G RILLED F ISH P ANINI S ANDWICHES

from the Belhaven bakery

Mon. - Thurs., 11am - 8:30pm | Fri. & Sat. 11am - 9pm 904B E. Fortification St. - English Village

Call Us: 601-352-2002

DINE JACKSON, see pg. 38

Across from MC School of Law

601-352-2364 • Fax: 601-352-2365 Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm

Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

2003-2010, Best of Jackson Jackson

Byram

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

5752 Terry Road (601) 373-7299 Fax: (601) 373-7349

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

Telephone:

Tuesday Night is

DATE NIGHT 2 for 1 Spaghetti

601-665-4952

For the sizzling taste of real hickory smoke barbeque -

THIS IS THE PLACE!

B.B.Q., Blues, Beer Beef and Pork Ribs Lunch & Dinner:

Tuesday - Thursday 11am - 8pm Friday & Saturday 11am - 10pm 910 Lake Harbour Dr. Ridgeland | 601-956-2929 Monday - Saturday | 5 - until

932 Lynch Street | Jackson (Across from the JSU Baseball Field)

On the Patio

W E D N E S D AY & T H U R S D AY

$2

HAPPY HOUR 5 – 7 NIGHTLY off well drinks and wine by the glass; $1 off beers WEDNESDAY $5

burger sliders night THURSDAY

STIX (109 Marketplace Lane off Lakeland Dr Flowood 601-420-4058) Enjoy the quick-handed, knife-wielding chefs at the flaming teppanyaki grill; artful presentations of sushi; the pungent seasonings and spicy flavors of regional Chinese cuisines.

168 W. Griffith St. • Sterling Towers

$5

pork confit nachos night

Come check out our new bar menu!

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES BANDS PLAY 7 – 10 PM Thurs 8/19

Dirty Laundry Wed 8/25

Chris Gill and the Sole Shakers Thurs 8/26

Gena Stringer

G o o d Tu n e s , B e a u t i f u l S c e n e r y, G r e a t F o o d !

104 South East Madison Drive (Olde Towne) • Ridgeland, MS 39157 Reser vations 601.856.0043 • theparkerhouse.com

jacksonfreepress.com

Fuego Mexican Cantina

37

Paid advertising section.

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August 19

Brock Bailey & Prayer Dorsey

Ladies Night Drink Specials All Night Long!

120 N Congress St. in Jackson (601) 968-0857

mbian n & Colu

Early Bird Specials Tuesday-Thursday 5:00 - 6:30

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A Metro-Area Tradition Since 1977

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

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

/Deli

Bakery

Mexica

Lunch Special - $7.75 + Tax

3 Tacos + Fountain Drink Tortas â&#x20AC;˘ Tacos â&#x20AC;˘ Antojitos â&#x20AC;˘ Burritos â&#x20AC;˘ Bebidas Quesadillas â&#x20AC;˘ Empanadas... And MORE! 1290 E County Line Rd (next to Northpark Mall) Ridgeland, MS 39157 | 601-983-1253

- Plenty of Parking -

BREAKFAST â&#x20AC;˘ LUNCH â&#x20AC;˘ FUNKY ART + 0O<O@ 0OM@@O '<>FNJI ,K@I 1P@N 0<O <H KH

Nagoya (6351 I-55 North #131 @ Target Shopping Ctr. 601-977-8881) Nagoya gets high marks for its delicious-and-affordable sushi offerings, tasty lunch specials and high-flying hibachi room with satisfying flavors for the whole family.

Ichiban (153 Ridge Drive, Ste 105F 601-919-0097 & 359 Ridgeway 601-919-8879) Voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Chineseâ&#x20AC;? in 2010, cuisine styles at Ichiban actually range from Chinese to Japanese, including hibachi, sushi made fresh with seafood, and a crowd-pleasing buffet.

southern cuisine Mimiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family and Friends (3139 North State Street, Fondren) 601-366-6111 Funky local art decorates this new offering in Fondren, where the cheese grits, red beans & rice, pork tacos and pimento cheese are signature offerings. Breakfast and lunch, new days are Tuesday-Sunday.

Sugarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place (168 W Griffith St 601-352-2364) Hot breakfast and week-day lunch: catfish, pantrout, fried chicken wings, blue plates, red beans & rice, pork chops, chicken & dumplings, burgers, po-boys...does your grandma cook like this?

Located downtown near MC Law School.

The Strawberry CafĂŠ (107 Depot Drive, Madison, 601-856-3822) Full table service, lunch and dinner. Crab and crawfish appetizers, salads, fresh seafood, pastas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;surf and turfâ&#x20AC;? and more. Veggie options. Desserts: cheesecake, Madison Mud and strawberry shortcake.

Two Sisters Kitchen (707 N. Congress St. 601-353-1180) 2010 Best of Jackson winner for fried chicken offers a sumptious buffet of your choice of veggies, a salad bar, iced tea & one of three homemade desserts. Lunch only. Mon-Friday 11-2, Sun. 10:30-2.

Zydeco Restaurant and Bar (6340 Ridgewood Rd. 601-977-9920) Cajun/creole favorites such as gumbo, sausage, oysters, fried green tomatoes, po-boys and muffalettas. Steaks, seafood and jambalaya for dinner. Beignets, omelets and seafood for Sunday brunch!

steak, seafood & fine dininG Rockyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (1046 Warrington Road, Vicksburg 601-634-0100) Enjoy choice steaks, fresh seafood, great salads, hearty sandwiches and much more in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;polished casualâ&#x20AC;? dining room. Open 24/7 in the Riverwalk Casino.

mediterranean/middLe eastern Aladdin Mediterranean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive 601-366-6033) Delicious authentic dishes including lamb dishes, hummus, falafel, kababs, shwarma and much more. Consistent award winner, great for takeout or for long evenings with friends.

Jerusalem CafĂŠ (2741 Old Canton Road 601-321-8797) Yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hookah bar in Jackson, which also happens to have a great Meditterean menu, including falafel, lamb shank, feta salad, kabob, spinach pie, grape leaves and baba ghanouj.

Kristos (971 Madison Ave @ Hwy 51, Madison, 601-605-2266) Home of the famous Greek meatball! Hummus, falafel, dolmas, pita sandwiches, salads, plus seasoned curly fries (or sweet potato fries) and amazing desserts.

&@S %QHMJ 3DK@W 8D_KK S@JD B@QD NE SGD QDRS

Pizza Full-Service Catering â&#x20AC;˘ Private Rooms Available â&#x20AC;˘ Reservations Suggested 107 Depot Drive, Madison | 601.856.3822 www.strawberrycafemadison.com Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm and Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm

Come see Why We Were Voted One Of Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Mediterranean Restaurants

mexican/Latin american

August 19 - 25, 2010

Mediterranean & Lebanese Cuisine

38

Mellow Mushroom (275 Dogwood Blvd, Flowood, 601-992-7499) Pizzas of all kinds, munchies, calzones, grilled hoagies, salads and more make up the extensive and â&#x20AC;&#x153;eclecticâ&#x20AC;? menu at Mellow Mushroom. Award-winning beer selection. Dine in or carry out.

The Pizza Shack (1220 N State St. 601-352-2001) 2009 and 2010â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner of Best Pizza offers the perfect pizza-and-a-beer joint. Creative pizza options abound (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cajun Joe, anyone?â&#x20AC;?), along with sandwiches, wings, salads and even BBQ. Great beer specials!

Sal & Mookieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (565 Taylor St. 601-368-1919) Pizzas of all kinds plus pasta, eggplant parmesan and the local favorite: fried ravioli. Voted Best Chef, Best Dessert, Best Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menu and Best Ice Cream in the 2010 Best of Jackson reader poll.

King Tortas International Deli (1290 E. County Line Rd, Ridgeland, 601-983-1253) Columbian and Mexican bakery and taqueria; try the fried plantains!

Lunch starting at just $6 .99

VeGetarian

Hours of Operation: Everyday am-until

High Noon CafĂŠ (2807 Old Canton Road in Rainbow Plaza 601-366-1513) Fresh, gourmet, tasty and healthy defines the lunch options at Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own strict vegetarian (and very-vegan-friendly) restaurant. Daily lunch specials -- like Mexican day and the seaside cakes on Fridays -- push the envelope on creative and healthy; wonderful desserts!

LAUGHTER IS A GIFT FROM GOD

Doctor S sez: ESPN’s talking heads spent all day Monday talking about Dustin Johnson grounding his club at the PGA Championship.

That sounds vaguely dirty.

FRIDAY, AUG. 20 High school football, Jim Hill vs.

Lanier (7:30 p.m., Jackson): The Tigers and Bulldogs kick off the season with an old, old, old-school JPS rivalry. Play nice, please. … Hattiesburg at Madison Central (7:30 p.m., Madison, 105.9 FM): A pair of 6A heavyweights collide out in the suburbs.

SATURDAY, AUG. 21 NFL exhibition football, Houston at New Orleans (6 p.m., Ch. 35, 620 AM): The Saints and Texans are both expected to make the playoffs this year. While they’re practicing before a paid audience, you can practice partying during a Saints game.

Who says the preseason is useless?

SUNDAY, AUG. 22 NFL exhibition football, Minnesota at San Francisco (7 p.m., Ch. 3): I’ll go out on a limb and predict that Brett Favre won’t

Curses, Foiled Again After Lori Shannon Turner, 39, complained loudly at a McDonald’s restaurant in Spartanburg, S.C., that she hadn’t received a sandwich she ordered and demanded another one, a sheriff’s deputy who arrived on the scene noticed Turner had a large grease stain on her pants. When a female officer was called to the scene for a search, Turner removed the missing sandwich from her pants. (The Herald Journal)

Pretenders to the Throne Japanese authorities admitted losing track of Tokyo’s reigning oldest woman just days after police who searched the home of the city’s oldest man found his mummified body. Fusa Furuya, reportedly 113 years old, had been registered as living with her daughter, but when officials went to the address, her daughter told them she hadn’t seen or heard from her mother since moving into the apartment in 1986.

When police found the body of Sogen Kato, officially listed as Tokyo’s oldest man, the week before, they concluded he had been dead for more than 30 years. (BBC News)

Mensa Rejects of the Week An 11-year-old boy from Laval, Quebec, was hospitalized in critical condition after being pierced in the head by a metal pole thrown by a 17-year-old boy, according to police Sgt. Francois Dumais, who noted the pole was the type used to mark property lines for snow removal.

“Both of them were playing a type of baseball,” Dumais explained. “They were throwing the

Services: 10:30 am and

be playing for the Vikings against the 49ers.

No way Brett is going to show up with so much time left in preseason camp.

6:00 pm 650 E South St. Jackson, MS 39201

MONDAY, AUG. 23 NFL exhibition football, Arizona at Tennessee (7 p.m., ESPN): Cardinals bust QB Matt Leinart faces Titans semi-bust QB Vince Young in a meaningless game.

But these teams will play many meaningless games this season.

(601)944-0415

TUESDAY, AUG. 24 Southern League baseball, Jacksonville at Mississippi (7 p.m., Pearl, 105.9 FM): Why the heck are these two teams in the same division? They are far apart in geography and the standings.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25 Major League baseball, Atlanta at Colorado (6 p.m., SportSouth, 620 AM): The Chipper-less Braves head for the mountains to take on the dangerous Rockies.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who’s hard at work on the latest epic annual JFP college football preview. Please be patient.

Mark time at JFP Sports on www.jacksonfreepress.com.

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!

Best Butts In Town!

since 1980

601-956-7079

1491 Canton Mart Rd. • Jackson

metal pole, and the other one was trying to hit the pole with a stick.” (CTV Montreal)

Reasonable Explanation When Eugene Todie, 29, tried to return home to Buffalo, N.Y., from Canada, border agents observed that he was wearing an ankle monitor. Todie, who’s on probation for criminal contempt and not supposed to leave the country, explained that he was wearing the monitor as a show of support for actress Lindsay Lohan, who earlier this year had to wear an alcohol ankle monitor. (Associated Press)

Not-So-Great Escape When Cincinnati police tried to pull over a 26-year-old woman driving 78 mph in a 55-mph zone, she exited the highway to drive home. With officers in pursuit, the woman drove the speed limit and stopped at red lights, but refused to pull over until officers finally stopped her just yards from her home by using strips that punctured her tires. (The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Finally Making Sense Iran’s Islamic regime has banned the mullet haircut for men, as well as Steven Seagalstyle ponytails and the 1980s’ Prince-style pompadour. Gel-slathered, combed back haircuts are acceptable, however, as are short front and sides, according to the government’s new grooming guidelines. (CNN) Compiled from mainstream media sources

by Roland Sweet. Authentication on demand.

jacksonfreepress.com

THURSDAY, AUG. 19 NFL exhibition football, New England at Atlanta (7 p.m., Ch. 40): The Patriots and Falcons both have aspirations of making … uh, why are watching this again?

Come be a part of a Community of Joy!

39

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Services include wash, vacuum and complete detailing.

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Monday & Friday 4-7pm

WEDNESDAY 8/18

Brian Jones (Acoustic Rock)

THURSDAY 8/19

Spirits of the House (Irish Dance)

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Marketing

& Events

Interns Wanted

FRIDAY 8/20

Electric Co.

JAPANESE SUSHI BAR & HIBACHI GRILL

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when you spend $30 or more

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when you spend $50 or more

(Blues/Rock)

SATURDAY 8/21

BRING THIS AD FOR A DISCOUNT

Ben Payton & The Thundering Harps

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(Delta Blues)

SUNDAY 8/22

Kitchen 11am-10pm Bar 11am-Midnight MONDAY 8/23

Karaoke w/ Matt August 19 - 25, 2010

TUESDAY 8/24

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Open Mic w/ Jason Bailey

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BY MATT JONES

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

“Ever upstream from myself,” wrote Belgian poet Edmond Vandercammen. “I advance, implore and pursue myself.” I suggest you adopt that attitude, Virgo. Assume that your best self is sailing along at a rapid clip, somewhere in the distance ahead of you, and it’s your job to catch up. Your highest form of expression is eluding you, but you’re hunting it down. The most beautiful possible embodiment of all your potentials is surging toward the future, and it’s your fun job to close the gap between you and unite with it.

In one possible scenario I foresee for you in the coming week, you’re sweaty and tearful, enmeshed in an extreme state that causes an internal blockage to dissolve. The sweat is purgative, the tears are cathartic, and you’re riding a wave of relief and release that clears out a backlog of emotional congestion. In a second possible future, I could see you as supernaturally relaxed and exuberant, periodically laughing so hard that you break up an internal blockage. The calm is purgative, the laughter is cathartic, and you’re riding a wave of relief and release that clears out a backlog of emotional congestion. Which scenario would you prefer?

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Last June, comedian Stephen Colbert reported that President Barack Obama’s big TV address to Americans about the Gulf catastrophe was a failure because it went over the heads of too many people. Language experts who analyzed Obama’s speech determined that it was written at a 10th-grade level—too professorial, scolded Colbert. I wonder what he would say about the horoscopes I compose, which are designed for readers who enjoy thinking metaphorically and have a high degree of emotional intelligence. In the coming week, Scorpio, I suggest that you take the approach that Obama and I use rather than the one Colbert (farcically) recommended. Don’t talk down to your audience or pander to the lowest common denominator. Raise everyone up with your appeals.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

My favorite baseball player Tim Lincecum told San Francisco magazine: “I think you either get in the canoe with your oar and control the boat, or get into it and let the current take you. I’m kind of in between. I want to be able to enjoy the ride but don’t want to be swept away by it. I don’t want to be overwhelmed; I want to see what’s going on.” Whether you are customarily the type of person who controls the boat or the type who enjoys drifting dreamily along, I suggest you take Lincecum’s in-between approach for now. Be half in charge and half surrendered.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The poet Jean Perrin dreamed “of marrying the dawn with the light of the moon,” and I invite you to do the same. The darkness you’ve been immersed in will leave you soon. As it does, please don’t forsake the pale, moon-like radiance that has provided you with a bit of guidance and consolation. Rather, bring along what it has taught you as you head into the far brighter phase you’re entering. In other words, retain some of the wisdom the dim light has compelled you to learn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

I know two people in their 80s who have accomplished a sensational long-running creative art project: They’ve been happily married for 65 years. The amount of reinvention they’ve had to dream up in order to keep loving each other is so profound that it confounds the imagination. How could they possibly have continued to stay closely interwoven through all the changes each of them has gone through as they’ve aged? During the fascinating relationship tests that will be coming your way in the weeks ahead, Aquarius, I’d love for you to summon some of their dogged ingenuity and tenacious collaborative skills. In fact, I predict you will be able to do just that.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

For the last 20 years, I’ve worn just one brand of shoes—all-black Converse high-top sneakers. I’ve had them on at weddings and while jogging, at my daughter’s high-school graduation and while performing at my shows. Am I too set in my ways? Definitely. In any case, Pisces, don’t be like me. Whatever your version of covering your feet with nothing but black Converse

high-top sneakers may be, the upcoming weeks will be an excellent time to change your ways. Break out and branch out! Try something new about how you present yourself—the equivalent of me switching over to suede moccasins or snakeskin cowboy boots.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

In the 18th century, the French Academy laid down rules about the differences between professional and amateur paintings. For example, it was decreed that true artists must create a “licked surface,” hiding all evidence of their brushstrokes. The illusion was more convincing that way; viewers could sink their attention fully into the image without being distracted by thoughts about the artist’s process. When the Impressionists barged into the scene in the 1870s, one of their rebellions against convention was to reject the licked surface. By making some of their brushstrokes visible, they declared they weren’t interested in upholding the artifice. They wanted their audience to get involved in the subjective interpretation of the scene that they portrayed. In the coming week, Aries, I encourage you to be like the Impressionists. Forget about trying to present a licked surface. Reveal the inner workings that are whirling and humming behind your eyes.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

If your home is like a museum, a staid assemblage of fine memories, I suggest you shake things up a bit. If your imagination is filled with tape loops that keep running story lines you’ve heard a thousand times before, shake things up a bit. If your daily actions are so thoroughly possessed by the anesthetizing demons of habit that you can’t recall your last creative innovation, shake things up a bit. On the other hand, there’s no need for blame. Don’t berate yourself for your sluggishness. It was an inevitable byproduct of your efforts to solidify and stabilize your life. Just slip into a more playful mode and enjoy a bout of experimentation.

“Blocky Party”—no theme, no worries.

Across

1 Cape horn?

9 Gaping holes 15 It’s about a quart 16 Type of thermometer 17 What an arrow indicates on e-books 18 Suzuki of the Mariners 19 “Poverty is ___ that obscures the face of greatness” (Kahlil Gibran) 20 Restaurant with a green and red logo 21 More bug-filled 24 Title bee participant in a 2006 movie 25 Make red with blood 27 Part of a Latin boast 28 Goethe play with music by Beethoven 29 Sea eagle 30 Pluot center 33 “I’m ___ home right now...”

34 Sun. talk 35 Calle ___

37 Makes a big speech 39 Feudal worker 40 Term limits?

45 Dual-purpose 47 It comes before pi 48 Late 1990s Cadillac model 49 Rental agreement 50 Lose personnel, in military-speak 51 Character from Greek myth associated with golden apples 54 Give in 55 Ayn Rand title word 56 Sprinkle in flour 57 Equals

©2010 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute.

Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0474.

Last Week’s Answers

Down

1 It calls itself “The Broadband Phone Company” 2 Lopsided 3 Irritating sorts 4 ___ Online (long-running MMORPG created by Lord British) 5 Cable ride 6 Airport guess, for short 7 Turkey serving

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Maybe you know a person like my friend Joanna. She’s bright but terse, open-minded but not chatty. Like an inscrutable Buddha, she watches everything closely and churns her thoughts carefully. Silence is her ally. Now and then, though, when moved by an inner prompting that has nothing to do with drinking wine, she will suddenly erupt with a torrent of sweet talk and pithy observations and wild explorations. I predict that for you, Gemini, the entire world—even the parts of it that are not usually very forthcoming—will soon resemble Joanna when she’s overflowing.

BY MATT JONES

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

This would be an excellent time for you to get aggressively inventive about your education. It wouldn’t be too crazy, in my opinion, to launch your own school, with you as the only student. You could design your own course curriculum for the coming years. Decide who your teachers will be. Think about where you can get the stuff you’ll need to expand your mind, enhance your skills and just plain increase your intelligence. You could call your center of higher learning the University of Wily Exuberance or the Academy of Astonishing Grace or the Institute of Getting Down to Business.

Last Week’s Answers

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

For the people of Finland, the word sisu describes a quality they regard as integral to their national character. It refers to a courageous strength of will that can be sustained for a long time—a staunch ferocity that refuses to be defeated. We all could use more of that good stuff, not only to weather our personal ordeals but also to stay plucky in the face of the world’s lunacy. The coming weeks will be an especially good time for you to build up your reserves of sisu, Leo. How? Start by taking inventory of all the resources and allies and skills you have at your disposal.

Whether or not we believe in gods, we all worship something. What idea, person, thing, or emotion do you bow down to? Go to Freewillastrology.com and click “E-mail Rob.”

“Greater-Than Sudoku”

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

jacksonfreepress.com

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

8 “We ___ Family” 9 Bowling league?

10 Anne of HBO’s “Hung” 11 Reach (a goal) 12 Ben and Jerry, for two 13 Singer Faithfull 14 More likely to spill over 22 Seasonal Starbucks drink 23 Unverified 24 Red food coloring source 26 Smidgens 30 A few words from afar 31 Free glass 32 Beat badly 36 Bid 38 Suffering from insomnia 41 Time period that shaped the Great Lakes 42 Sports & Leisure color, in the original Trivial Pursuit 43 Pater ___ (“Our Father” prayer) 44 Golf champ Sam and family 46 Faulty Challenger part 51 Gp. that awards cinematography credits 52 Despite, in poems 53 Radius location

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HOT MOMMA! “I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little —if only out of politeness.

And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”

—Coco Chanel

by Natalie A. Collier

F

or most moms, it’s inevitable. Little Johnny and Janna are born, and any sense of style they had goes out the window. They become consumed with all things baby—food, formula, nap schedules. All of that rightly so. But this doesn’t mean you have to turn in fab for frump, mommy. It does mean a little bit of planning and ingenuity, however. Instead of the traditional diaper bag, find a roomy bag that shows your personality instead of having “baby” scrolled all over it. Look for clothes that can serve double duty. One day, maybe it’s a tunic; in two days, it’s a dress. Don’t sacrifice style when you take a break from your stilettos and accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.

Print tunic, $38, Incense Salon & Boutique Sami Lott Original necklace, $175, Sami Lott Designs and Gallery Designer jeans, $30, Bargain Boutique

Peep-toe red patent slingbacks, $2, Orange Peel Glitter and stripe tote, $32, Bridgette’s Monograms & Gifts Where2Shop:

Bargain Boutique, 5070 Parkway Drive, 601.991.0500; Bridgette’s Monograms & Gifts, 2725 N. State St., 601-3629947; Incense Salon & Boutique, 2475 Lakeland Drive, 601.933.0074; Orange Peel, 3026 N. State St., 601.364.9977; Sami Lott Designs and Gallery; 1800 N. State St., 601-212-7707

ON SALE CoatTails (111 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-853-1313) Take 30 to 50 percent off spring and summer fashions.

Fitness Lady (331 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, 601-856-0535 or 5720 Highway 80 E., Pearl, 601939-2122, www.fitnesslady.com) Sign-up on the website for a free 7-day pass.

Incense Salon & Boutique (2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite C, Flowood, 601-933-0074) Come in for jewelry and clothing at 30 percent off.

Material Girls (1000 Highland Colony, Ridgeland, 601-605-1605; 182 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601-9924533) Summer savings of 35 percent, or hit the $10, $20 or $30 sales racks.

August 19 - 25, 2010

Bargain Boutique (5070 Parkway Drive, 601-991-0500) Fall merchandise has hit the racks at the Bargain Boutique.

Take 75 percent off select summer clothing.

Send sale info to fly@jacksonfreepress.com.

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Check out flyjfp.com for information about other sales around the city, trends and various things fly people should know.

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