v9n10 - JFP Issue: Kids Having Kids

Vol. 9 | No. 10 //November 17-23, 2010

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WHAT’S COOKIN’ FOR TURKEY DAY? FOOD, PP 38-40

HAVING KIDS MCLAUGHLIN, PP 17 - 22

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jacksonian

VOL.

9 NO. 10

contents ADAM LYNCH; JARO VACK; AARON PHILLIPS; MIKE LOFTIN

LACEY MCLAUGHLIN

8 Payday Pandering?

Advocates and opponents square off on a state law for paycheck lenders, expiring July 1, 2012.

Cover photograph of Lauryn Jackson and her mom, Ariel Jones by Aaron Phillips

10

THIS ISSUE: Water Woes .............. Editor’s Note

8

............................. Talk

14

...................... Editorial

14

........................ Stiggers

14

............................ Zuga

15

...................... Opinion

24

....................... Hitched

29

.................. Diversions

31

......................... 8 Days

32

.................. JFP Events

34

........... Music Listings

36

.......................... Sports

37

............................ Astro

37

......................... Puzzles

38

............................ Food

46

..... Road to Wellness

Will Jackson’s pipes stand up to another winter like last year? The city is trying to fix the problems.

david hoskins David Hoskins is used to getting strange questions. As the reference librarian at the Eudora Welty Public Library, he is the go-to guy for research materials and assistance.

“The coolest thing today was a guy who called me and asked (what animal) would win a fight: a lion or a tiger?” he says. “It turns out that there are experts in robotics and zoology who run assimilations on things like that.”

Hoskins sifted through the research and reported back to the patron with the verdict: The lion would win.

In April, Hoskin’s accumulation of factoids earned him a spot on the game show “Jeopardy.” Out of curiosity, the Batesville native took an online test to compete on the game show and soon, he received a call from a producer asking him to fly to Chicago and audition for the show.

“It took a minute to sink in. I thought I had misheard her or something, but then I realized that she wouldn’t call me to fake me out,” Hoskins says. “I’ve been watching that show for years so to get on it was a very big honor.”

To prepare, Hoskins’s coworkers helped him train by making flash cards and giving him random pop quizzes. He made it to the final question: The ivory-billed woodpecker and the coelacanth are examples of species named for this biblical man?

Under the bright lights with television cameras pointed at him, Hoskins searched

for the right answer. Finally he made an educated guess: Noah. The right answer, however, is Lazarus because the animals are species that people thought were extinct, but actually still exist.

Since the experience, he has been a celebrity at home. His friends and coworkers recorded his episode of “Jeopardy,” and watched it during a recent game night.

“I’m not used to this much attention, but I’m learning to be more comfortable with people coming up and talking to me,” Hoskins says.

Hoskins, 32, received his bachelor’s degree in English from Jackson State University in 2001. After graduation, he stumbled across a job listing with the library and has been there ever since. He is currently working on his master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I’m a natural nerd, so now I get to use my nerdiness for good,” he says. “I want more people to know that (the library) is out there, and we have all sorts of information that people can use. The more people know what is at the library for them, the better off the entire community will be.”

In his free time, the Belhaven resident enjoys local theater productions. “Jackson is really laid back,” he says. “It has all the good stuff of a larger city, but it is really like a big small town.”

—Briana Robinson

17 Baby’s Babies Mississippi has more teenage parents than any other state. What works to stem the epidemic?

36 En Garde!

Would-be pirates and sword-carrying duelers: Head to Clinton for swashbuckling lessons, today!

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6

Lacey McLaughlin

by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

For the Kids

A

few months ago, I picked up a copy of The Clarion-Ledger’s VIP Jackson magazine and flipped through.

I was shocked at how few black VIP Jacksonians I saw in the stories, party pics and advertising.

After we ran an index in the paper showing just how racially un-diverse this Gannett publication is, some of the usual suspects emailed, whining that we dared say out loud that a huge corporation that prides itself on its diversity actually makes a disturbingly undiverse publication to a decidedly un-diverse target audience.

This is something you might expect from either The Northside Sun (which has long shown that it cares little about diversity) and The Jackson Advocate (which we have long criticized for its “Brown Society” treatment of blacks and whites who work together.)

But since the Gannett Corp. bought The Clarion-Ledger—historically, one of the nation’s most racist newspapers—it has bragged about its diversity. Its top editor, Ronnie Agnew is black and is the national diversity chair for the American Society of Newspaper Editors—a similar position to what I held until recently for the nation’s alternative newspapers.

ASNE is a loud proponent of media diversity; I’ve been at training sessions with its people where we learned, among other things, that it is vital to “mainstream” people of color into all aspects of your publications, especially in positive, uplifting sections (which, no doubt, includes party pics and wedding spreads). The Ledger even won an ASNE “Pacesetter” award for newsroom diversity, but little diversity is evident on the VIP Jackson masthead.

Where is the disconnect? How does a paper that prides itself on diversity put out a “very important person” magazine about “Jackson” and not bother to pursue content diversity that comes close to reflecting the city? Not to mention, how does Mr. Agnew sleep at night knowing that VIP Jackson is distributed free to a list of affluent zip codes, more in the “white” suburbs than actually in (northeast) Jackson?

Of course, my pointing this out causes rolled eyes among many of the same people who never seem to care about the lack of diversity in anything, whether the Neshoba County Fair or their children’s classrooms. Is this the target audience that the Ledger wants?

Many will declare that I am obsessed with race, and the real idiots will say that I hate my own race because I point out the race hypocrisy of a major Virginia-based media corporation down here to make money. That’s stupid logic: I promise that I do not hate my own skin color, and some of my best friends are white. Not to mention family members.

Actually, something much bigger than my mythical hatred of white people or my real disdain for hypocrisy is at play here. What is at stake is the future of our city.

Seriously. It’s basic: Young (and older) people need to see positive images of people who look like them. People of color need to

see “local” media outlets covering them for positive actions at least as much as for negative actions—they need to know that they are just as “VIP” as white people who hold and attend fund raisers and engagement parties. And in a city—Jackson, as in the magazine name—that is more than two-thirds black, it is remarkable to see a Gannett-owned publication largely ignore most of the city and even its well-to-do black philanthropists.

White folks also need to see people of color in roles that have nothing to do with sports, crime or music. If we do not see these positive images, it is very easy for us to form stereotypes without meaning to, not to mention sensationalize crime, especially among “them.”

Then, playing to their perceived audience (and advertisers), the mass media overwhelmingly present negatives images of people of color, especially young people.

In turn, young people of color can grow up feeling like second-class citizens when they and their families are not reflected fairly in the media: It’s the white folks who raise money.

It’s the white folks who get lauded in the largest media outlets for accomplishments. It’s the white folks who give the VIP parties that matter. It can be self-perpetuating: The media continually show kids of color on a path to destruction, and hopelessness sets in.

In case you think I am making all this up to sound smart or alty, alas, I am not.

The research is rampant on the desperate need for media diversity and how the lack of it can negatively affect a city, including raising the likelihood of crime (which is directly connected to the sense of hopelessness and esteem in a community). When you’re told, or shown, over and over again that you’re not among the best, you don’t believe you can be. That’s when

you make the wrong choices.

Back in 1968, our nation was warned about this hopelessness-to-bad-choices cycle after the infamous spate of race riots racked several cities around the country, including Jackson. The president convened The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, which studied conditions leading to the riots.

In what is known as the Kerner Commission report (which every American should read; sadly too little has changed), the panel reached unflinching conclusions about the status of blacks in the U.S. As a journalist, the chapter on the media’s role in creating these conditions, as well as what we can do to change them, has long motivated me.

The report warned that media had done a terrible job of integrating its coverage, leading to hopelessness in what it called the “ghetto” (which it dared say out loud was created by whites and white flight) and white ignorance about problems segregation created for blacks.

Among other suggestions, the report told media that it must stop excluding “Negroes” (the language of the time): “Integrate Negroes and Negro activities into all aspects of coverage and content, including newspaper articles and television programming. The news media must publish newspapers and produce programs that recognize the existence and activities of Negroes as a group within the community and as a part of the larger community.”

Today, we live in a majority-black city with mostly leadership of color. And even now, the “white” media are falling into the old traps they warned us about in 1968. This is a vicious cycle that must be broken.

Do it for our kids. It matters.

A PDF of the Kerner report is linked to this story at www.jfp.ms.

News Editor Lacey McLaughlin is a Florida native who enjoys riding her bike around Jackson. She is always on the hunt for news tips.

E-mail Lacey@jacksonfreepress. com or call 601-362-6121 x 22.

She wrote the cover story.

Aaron Phillips Originally from Texas, freelance photographer Aaron Phillips has lived in Mississippi for more than a decade. He works for a local graphic design firm, the Imaginary Company, and lives in the Millsaps Arts District. He photographed the cover.

Ward Schaefer JFP reporter Ward Schaefer came to Mississippi to teach middle school, and is now a journalist. His hometown of Chevy Chase, Md., was not named for the actor. He is slowly learning to play banjo. He wrote Talks.

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.

Sarah Senff Freelance writer Sarah Senff is a Belhaven University alumna, exiled to the cold Yankee north of Columbus, Ohio. She is an actor, blogger, photographer and operatic mezzo-soprano who never met a carbohydrate she didn’t like. She wrote a food piece.

Jesse Crow Editorial intern Jesse Crow, a Pensacola, Fla., native, is a sophomore at Millsaps College.

She enjoys playing with puppies, summer camp and going on long drives in her station wagon, Herman. She wrote food pieces.

Christopher Zuga Christopher Zuga is a freelance illustrator/graphic designer/fine artist (not necessarily in that order). When he is not hunched over a project, he spends time preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse and devours pop culture. He wrote a music piece.

Randi Ashley Jackson Account Manager Randi Ashley Jackson is a Brandon/Reservoir area native. She loves organic gardening and her goldfish GillBert. She strives to be the next Food Network star chef, if only in her own mind. She manages JFP sales accounts.

jacksonfreepress.com

editor’snote

7

In Mississippi, it is illegal to teach the definition of polygamy.

It is also against the law for a man to seduce a woman by lying and claiming he will marry her. Being unmarried and living together can result in a $500 fine and/or six months in prison.

news, culture & irreverence

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010 U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius gives a speech during at the Global Obesity Summit 2010 at the Jackson Convention Complex, and encourages local efforts to combat obesity.

Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy will remain in effect while a federal appeals court hears a legal challenge to the policy. … Stewpot Community Services CEO Frank Spencer announces that The Opportunity Center will reopen in late November after being closed since April 2.

Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 The Burmese military government releases pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi after 15 years of house arrest. …

Jackson State University’s football team defeats the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, 52 to 30.

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 Three University of Southern Mississippi football players are shot outside a Hattiesburg nightclub, leaving all three in the hospital and one with a severed spine. … The death toll from a cholera outbreak in Haiti rises to 917.

November 17 - 23, 2010

Monday, Nov. 15, 2010 Gov. Haley Barbour releases his 2012 budget recommendation, calling for an average of 8 percent cuts to state agencies. … The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announces a $132 settlement of a lawsuit over Mississippi’s diversion of federal housing funds after Hurricane Katrina.

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Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010 The Mississippi Museum of Art receives a 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. … The Southern Poverty Law Center and ACLUfile a lawsuit against Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility over unsafe conditions and excessive force by prison staff.

Flaggs: Keep Check Cashers Act

M

ississippi House of Representatives Banking Committee Chairman George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, says he wants to extend the life of the 1998 Mississippi Check Cashers Act, which allows short-term lenders a special exemption from the 36-percent annual-percentage-rate cap on loans of under $1,000. Under the Act, check-cashing operations can charge customers 18 percent simple interest in fees for loans under $400 due within two to four weeks.

“I don’t intend to let it sunset,” Flaggs said. “I’m not chairman of a committee to put (check cashers) out of business.”

In 1998, legislators passed a law allowing payday lenders to charge a standard rate of $21.95 per every $100 a borrower takes in cash up to $400.

The Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance mandates that short-term lenders compute their fees into an annual percentage rate, calculated by dividing the lender’s fee by the amount of the loan, multiplied by the number of days in a year, and divided by the number of days in the load (up to 30). The calculation reveals an annual percentage rate (APR) of 572.26 percent, the Department reports.

However, Jamie Fulmer, vice president of public affairs for Advance America, which offers short-term loans, says the APR is not a fair translation of the interest rate of the loan, which cannot legally last a whole year or charge more than 18 percent simple interest.

“An APR calculation isn’t how a consumer values it. In order to pay a 500 percent percentage rate, the consumer would have to take out that loan every two weeks for an entire year,” Fulmer said. “On average they use us between seven and eight times a year.”

ADAM LYNCH

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010 A Hinds County jury acquits convenience store owner Sarbrinder Pannu of murder for the 2008 shooting death of James Hawthorne Jr., who allegedly shoplifted beer from Pannu’s store. … Jackson attorney Lisa Ross releases cell-phone video allegedly showing Murrah High School basketball coach Marlon Dorsey whipping a player with a weightlifting belt.

American Independent Business Alliance co-founder Jeff Milchen wants local businesses to organize. p 12

Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, said he favors extending a law exempting shortterm lenders from a 36 percent annual percentage rate cap.

Under state law, to get a loan, a borrower gives a payday lender a personal check, which the lender holds until the loan’s due date. In exchange, the borrower receives cash, minus the lender’s fees. Advance America, on Ellis

by Adam Lynch Avenue, offers a maximum of a $330 payday loan, requiring a fee of about $60. Advance America holds the borrower’s check for about two weeks—the course of a regular pay period. When the payment comes due, it is due in full. If the borrower does not have the money in their account to pay back the company, he or she risks getting hit with bank overdraft charges, as well as a lender fee up to $30.

Jackson City Council members say the payday lenders are hurting Jackson residents, and are popping up like mushrooms in places containing a significant population with money problems. Hinds County contains a total of 71 short-term lenders, according to the Center for Responsible Lending, which reports that short-term lenders in Hinds earned about $20 million in profits from $90 million in loans in 2009.

Ward 6 Councilman Tony Yarber wants to halt the growth of the industry and has championed a moratorium on short-term lenders in the city. The Council is still mulling the constitutionality of restricting the businesses, but Yarber said his effort to push a moratorium may be unnecessary if the Legislature allows the Check Cashers Act to expire in 2012.

“We’ve decided we’re going to wait and see what legislators do before moving forward with our own plans,” Yarber said.

But short-term lenders are working to extend their exemption beyond 2012.

PAYDAY see page 9

Things to be Thankful for

T have

fun

“Y’all have fun.” —Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill, who will be leaving the council to serve as Hinds County Circuit Court judge in January, to the City Council regarding additional funds the city needs to find to pay JATRAN drivers.

his Thanksgiving, the JFP staff gives thanks for many things, including family, friends and good food. With tongues sometimes firmly planted in cheeks, however, here are a few other things we’re thankful for:

• Rye whiskey.

• The drop in the mosquito population along with cooler weather.

• The GOP will now show us how it ought to be done.

• New Mississippi Republicans with less interesting hair.

• Todd Stauffer’s sweater vests.

• Kanye West broke up with Amber Rose.

• Brett Favre doesn’t have Lacey’s phone number.

• The existence of fried turkey.

• Barbour only has a year left as governor.

• State Street repaving.

• Bike lanes.

• Judicial races are over next week.

news, culture & irreverence

PAYDAY from page 8

“We’re more than willing to sit down and talk to legislators on both sides of the issue to try to address concerns,” Fulmer said. He added that capping the APR at 36 percent—the cap for long-term lenders—essentially shoehorns a short-term loan into an incompatible format. Under the traditional annual unit of measurement used by credit-card agencies and banks, the loan would amount to a charge of $1.38 per every $100 loaned, he said.

“Seven-and-a-half cents a day is what an APR cap breaks down to per $100 charged,” Fulmer said. “There’s no way we can conduct business under those circumstances.”

Industry representatives such as Borrow Smart Mississippi are talking to legislators, including Flaggs, on the possibility of extending the exemption, and Flaggs, so far, agrees.

He argues that short-term lenders fill a necessary economic niche because banks and credit agencies do not offer $100 to $300 loans.

“Do you think $21.95 on a $100 loan for two weeks is very much? You can walk out of that office and go right back in there the next day and pay it off, and it’s still $21.95. Take that same bill and don’t pay it for a whole year, it’s still just a $21.95 fee,” Flaggs said. “They can’t take that bill to the DA’s office.They have to collect it for themselves. They don’t have a lot of power like credit-card companies.”

Under the Check Cashers Act, the shortterm lender cannot “renew or otherwise extend any delayed deposit check.” That is, state law does not allow a lender to extend the loan for any additional fees.

While state law does not permit the same short-term lender to renew or extend any de-

layed deposit check, it does not keep customers from paying off an earlier short-term loan with a new loan from a different company.

But Flaggs blames the cycle of debt on customers’ lack of foresight, not the lender.

“My concern is that people are captured in a cycle which could be avoided with financial education,” said Flaggs, adding that the short-term lenders have a less costly policy than credit card or power companies. “Put $100 on a credit card and let it go delinquent for a year. How much will that cost you? Or how much does it cost to re-activate your cell phone or your electricity?”

Mississippi Center for Justice community organizer Alesha Netterville said MCJ is trying to convince legislators who voted to extend the Check Cashers Act in 2007. “Legislators need to be educated about the impacts that they may not know about that we are seeing in the community,” Netterville said.

Flaggs said he has asked the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance to review the issue and make a fair suggestion on how to handle the issue, and that he will conduct hearings “giving both sides an opportunity to express their feelings.”

MCJ Advocacy Director Beth Orlansky suggested either allowing the exemption to expire completely or adapting it to allow borrowers 90 days to pay back the loan. “That would reduce the APR significantly, and people could probably pay it back. People need small-dollar loans, not short-term loans.

There shouldn’t be a requirement to pay it back in two weeks,” Orlansky said. Fulmer said extending the loan period essentially changed the formula and might create a less consumer-friendly product.

B

by Jesse Crow

abalu Tacos & Tapas is set to open in December in Duling Hall, in the renovated Duling School in Fondren.

Babalu will offer a variety of freshly prepared and traditionally inspired appetizers, tacos and tapas. Some of Babalu’s ingredients, like vegetables and protein items, will be private sourced from local vendors.

“The trend with gourmet tacos and tapas is pretty popular around the country right now, and it’s a little something different for Jackson,” co-owner Bill Latham says. “The concept that we’re doing seemed to fit the Fondren area just perfectly.”

Appetizers include house-made guacamole, salsas and cheese dips made from specialty Mexican cheeses, and the restaurant will serve a different types of ceviche each day, including shrimp, fish and scallops.

The tapas, or small food items, will include tuna, mussels, olive, shrimp, grilled lamb loin and braised beef rib.

The tacos “are not going to be the mainstream taco you find traditionally in the Jackson area,” co-owner Al Roberts says.

The soft corn tortillas are prepared fresh, and

Baked Turkey + all The Fixins $60 Honey Ham + all The Fixins $50

You can also order Meats: Baked Turkey, Fried Turkey, Smoked Turkey, Honey Ham Casseroles/Side Dishes: Cornbread Dressing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Seafood Gumbo, Collards/Mustard/Turnip Greens Desserts: Apple/Blackberry/Peach Cobbler 4501 Raymond Rd. Jackson, MS Phone: 601-371-6481

Follow Mississippi Happening on Twitter and Facebook.

Courtesy BaBalu taCos & tapas

Tacos y Tapas in Fondren

Dinner Packages:

Babalu queso dip made with Chihuahua and Asadero che ese.

you’ll find a South American influence in the sauces. The taco choices include braised pulled pork, smoked pork belly, fresh fish of the day and rotisserie chicken.

“There’s a lot of popularity now about street foods and ethnic type foods that are easier to share, that several people can sit down and share together,” Roberts says.

“That’s what we’re trying to emulate here.”

Executive Chef David Ferris is a Jackson native who has also served as the executive chef of Mint and the Delta steakhouse Giardina’s. The kitchen is open, so diners will be able to watch their food be prepared.

Babalu is located on the first floor of Duling Hall facing Old Canton Road. In a former incarnation, this space was where Latham’s wife attended first grade.

Tickets & information~mmckewen@comcast.net or 601.354.3408

jacksonfreepress.com

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Water Hikes to Fund Upgrades

T

he city of Jackson is eyeing water and sewer fee hikes this year, and intends to apply those funds to city-wide infrastructure repair and upgrades.

Jackson City Council will address fee increases of 13 percent for water and 6 percent for sewer services during Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city council meeting. Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. proposed the hikes for residents and businesses in August for the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 budget to shore up a decrease in sales-tax revenue.

The mayor called the increase â&#x20AC;&#x153;modestâ&#x20AC;? during his August budget address to the city council, and said it â&#x20AC;&#x153;would amount to a $3.08 increase per month for water and a $1.32 per month increase for sewer for the average residential customer.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just over $52 a year, or about $1 per week,â&#x20AC;? Johnson added.

The mayor is also proposing to install modern city-wide water meters over the next few years to shore up revenue, as the new meters will automatically monitor individual water use throughout the city.

Ward 7 Councilman Tony Yarber said he was unhappy with the fee increases, but considered them â&#x20AC;&#x153;a necessary evilâ&#x20AC;? to keep the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget balanced.

Meanwhile, Ward 1 Councilman Jeff Weill, who is leaving his council seat in January for a judicial seat in Hinds County Circuit Court, said he does not welcome the increases. The councilman said the fee hike would be unnecessary if the city would instead cut unnecessary services in other sectors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[T]he budget is bloated and continues to pay for tennis courts, half a million dollars for golf courses, tens of thousands of dollars for feel-good trophies for the kids, lavish benefits for city employees, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned for the taxpayers of Jackson,â&#x20AC;?

Weill said in September after the council approved the budget.

City spokesman Chris Mims said, however, that the city plans to put the rate increases to work with positive proof of water-sewer upgrades in 2011. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The city is preparing to submit contract requests to (engineers) to assess the water lines connected to state buildings that most need work,â&#x20AC;? Mims said.

The city and state erupted into bickering this summer when the Mississippi Bond Commission refused to sign off on an interest-free $6 million loan to the city to finance the replacement of its aging pipes that led to multiple water failures earlier this year. Pipes froze and burst in January, leaving the state Capitol and many government buildings with no water.

Legislators, faced with the prospect of non-working toilets, hastily passed a bill supporting the $6 million loan to replace

water lines crucial to state buildings. But the commission initially delayed its approval of the bond in July. Commission members State Treasurer Tate Reeves and Gov. Haley Barbour said the city needed to first provide a detailed plan on what water lines will benefit from the money and what the city plans to do with remaining sub-par pipes not covered by the loan.

linking the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two water-supply plants.

Jackson Realtor and Mule Jail Club President Bob Ridgway said last month that the city had refused to work with landowners in the area: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we have asked them to do is put the line parallel to our road, instead of in our road. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made that request two years ago, but nobody has ever explained to us why this wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work,â&#x20AC;?

Ridgway said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change the trajectory, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on land already owned by the city.â&#x20AC;?

Mims said the city pushed for the installation of the pipe upon Mule Jail property because the land was flat compared to the neighboring city property, and that installation upon the city property could incur extra cost. Deputy City Attorney Terry Williamson said the city was preparing to put before the council an order authorizing the condemnation of the targeted Mule Jail land, but Public Works Director Dan Gaillet said last week that the city was working with landowners to work out a solution before involving the courts. He indicated Monday that the solution may conform to some Mule Jail demands.

Mims said he was confident the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two water plants would be effectively linked before the end of the year, reducing the chance of future pipe ruptures decreasing water pressure to the point of shutting down the water system.

He added that the city would also finish work on a water-supply system in south Jackson, along Highway 18. The construction, financed by a bond the city issued in 2006, will connect the neighborhoods south of the Maddox Road junction with the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s municipal water supply. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will allow the residents in that area to move off the well system theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still using down there,â&#x20AC;? Mims said.

Virden Addition Neighborhood Association President Jimmie Robinson said the city was desperately in need of water and sewer upgrades, but said the fee hike would have an impact on the senior-citizen population, many of whom live on fixed incomes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tough bullet to bite, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have to bite it and cut down on other things to pay for it,â&#x20AC;? Robinson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are extra expenditures going on.

People are still buying beer and going to the (casinos), but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have to cut back a little bit more, and I hope the city can offer whatever aid they can to our senior citizens, if it proves necessary.â&#x20AC;?

The city is required to hold a public meeting before the council can vote to approve the increase. Mims said the ordinance would be back before the council for official approval within the next few months.

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

Jaro Vacek

1935 Lakeland Dr. 601.906.2253

by Adam Lynch

Facing outcry from city representatives, the Bond Commission relented and approved the loan in September, but the city is just now using the money to hire a contractor to assess which pipes need to benefit first from the funding.

Mims said the city will soon reach an agreement with owners of Mule Jail property in north Jackson, who dispute the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need to bury a 54-inch line on their property, rather than running the line on adjoining city property.

In June, the critical 54-inch water main near the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O.B. Curtis watertreatment plantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which was still waiting for the Mule Jail line to connect it from the Pearl River leveeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;blew off what was designed to be a temporary cap. The rupture dumped thousands of gallons of water into the soil, reduced city-wide water pressure and set off a boil-water alert for the second time this year following the winter freeze.

The failure proved a major embarrassment to the city, and prompted a decision by the Department of Transportation to dig its own well to supply water to several critical state-government buildings.

Johnson said in August that the city could have avoided both massive water failures this year had Mule Jail owners not stalled construction of the 54-inch water main

healthtalk

by Ward Schaefer

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius outlined the costs of obesity at the Global Obesity Summit.

Chancellor for Research John Hall said.

“We staged this in a sense,” Hall said.

“We wanted to begin getting community support, business leader support, and support from our state and federal government, so that once the center opens we’ll have a kick start.”

The Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Center will be located in the school’s new Guyton Resources Center. Construction of the new center will be complete in April 2011.

UMMC has funds to hire roughly 10 new faculty next year. The center will also hire a director and lead researcher, using a $2 million endowment from Joe Sanderson Jr. of the

Sanderson Farms chicken company. The obesity center’s funding will come primarily from outside grants, giving a significant economic boost to the city, Hall said.

“It’s not just taking money from people that are here and recirculating it,” Hall said.

“It’s bringing new money that would’ve not been here. Economists say when you have research coming in, it has a four- to five-fold economic multiplier effect, because it raises salaries, it pays taxes, and people put it into the economy.”

That benefit is miniscule compared to the drain that obesity exerts on the state, however.

Obesity cost Mississippi roughly $925 million in 2008 in direct medical expenses, according to Hall. That figure, which is set to rise to $3.4 billion by 2018, only reflects the cost of treating obesity-related diseases like coronary artery disease, diabetes and hypertension.

Obesity also impacts work-place productivity, absenteeism and transportation expenses, all of which could push its overall price tag even higher.

Efforts to address those costs will have to come primarily from the state and local level, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said in a keynote address at the summit. Federal action can help set the tone for efforts, Sebelius said.

A

The Obama administration is working with manufacturers to improve nutrition labeling for beverages and packaged foods, Sebelius said. The labels will present key information, such as calories, sodium and fat amounts, on the front of an item to make it more visible to shoppers. Sebelius said that the administration intends to reform the arbitrariness in “serving size” suggestions on nutrition labels.

Ultimately, obesity prevention must start at home and in communities, though, she argued. The federal government can support local efforts with grant programs, she said, citing as an example the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative, a $450 million program in the 2008 stimulus package that funded local preventative-health initiatives.

Sebelius said that she hopes innovations at the local level can expand to become best practices for other parts of the country.

While Mississippi did not receive any money through the program, Sebelius said that the state does have examples of successful community approaches to fighting obesity, citing Jackson Public Schools’ urban garden initiative and a Jackson State University program that promotes double-dutch jump rope as a fun exercise for children.

“That creativity is bubbling here in Jackson,” she said.

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

bodega is a market, deli or corner store, often found in places like New York City.

One of Jackson’s very own neighborhoods is about to experience what a bodega has to offer – a vital part of the community that’s missing right now, according to owner Gwinn Wyatt. Bodega will open at the end of December 2010 in the Standard Life Building at 127 Roach Street in downtown Jackson.

“Whether you want to shop for basics, grab a Gwinn Wyatt, owner quick bite to eat or to go, or just sit down to have a snack, we’ve got you covered,” said Wyatt. “Our motto is ‘Life’s daily staples at the Standard Life.’”

Belgian waffles along with a full breakfast menu (biscuits, eggs, grits, bacon and sausage), a deli menu and prepared foods will be available for customers. Quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers can be purchased for lunch, dinner or anytime of the day.

“Daily specials such as Frank’s Red Beans and Rice, Seafood Gumbo, Crab Cakes, Tomato & Three Cheese Pie, and Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, all based on family recipes, are something we think people will enjoy,” said Wyatt. “We will offer conventional menu items as well as gluten-free offerings for those with gluten sensitivity. Just be sure to tell us that you want it gluten-free, and we’ll help you with your order.”

Bodega is eager to meet the needs of the downtown community and be a vibrant part of the downtown area. Inspired by urban renewal downtown, Bodega will be a resource for this rapidly growing neighborhood, said Wyatt. She and her husband, Frank, were both born and raised in Jackson. They owned a retail store on Capitol Street in the late 70’s, too.

“We’ve come full circle 30 years later,” says Wyatt. “We were inspired to open Bodega after our daughter, Brookey Wyatt Kuhne, moved into the King Edward Apartments, while acting as the Artistic Administrator for the International Ballet Competition. She loved living downtown, but many downtown dining spots close at 2 p.m. each day and are not open at all on the weekend. We will be.”

Bodega will be open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’ll be the spot where residents can dine for Sunday brunch, or where you can pick up dinner-to-go as you leave work at 5 p.m.,” says Wyatt. “Infrastructure is vital to downtown Jackson becoming a neighborhood again, and we’re excited to have our family, our store and our customers become a part of that process.”

Find Bodega on Facebook at Standard Life Bodega, and watch for daily updates on their progress as they get ready to open their doors at the end of this year

jacksonfreepress.com

V

isitors to the Jackson Convention Center during last week’s Global Obesity Summit could be forgiven for a little mirthless laughter. Here was an international conference on treating and preventing obesity in the capital of the country’s fattest state. If Mississippi had anything to teach the world, wouldn’t it have taken those lessons to heart itself?

But the conference, a joint project of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, represents a relatively new push to turn Mississippi’s million-dollar liability into an asset.

Since 2000, UMMC has eyed obesity research as an opportunity to increase its prestige as an academic facility while also directly addressing the state’s greatest public-health problem. The school enshrined obesity as a research priority in its 2005 master plan.

At the same time, the Greater Jackson Chamber has grown to appreciate the economic benefits of medical research. Aside from potentially lowering health-care costs, research also brings new money into the city’s economy in the form of grants and human capital in the form of highly trained scientists and students.

Last week’s summit was the ideal time, then, to announce UMMC’s plans to establish a new obesity research center, Associate Vice

Eric BridiErs

UMMC Unveils Obesity Center

11

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Alliances of the Little Guys

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eff Milchen doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like big boxes. In 1997, Milchen noticed with alarm that large chain stores were rapidly displacing the locally owned, independent stores that gave Boulder, Colo., its character. He teamed up with David Bolduc, a local bookstore owner, and the two created an alliance of local businesses.

In 1998, the two founded the American Independent Business Alliance to help other communities establish their own independent business alliance (IBA), organize â&#x20AC;&#x153;buy localâ&#x20AC;? campaigns and advocate for policies that protect local businesses.

Friday, Nov. 19, Milchen will speak at Koinonia Coffee Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friday Forum, a free event starting at 9 a.m.

A lot of people know now that spending money at locally owned businesses benefits the local economy far more than buying from chains. What are some of the less obvious benefits of buying local?

Creating jobs in the community is a huge piece of it. The thing that enables many of these larger corporate chains to have lower costs is efficiency. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sound business for them to have just one room full of graphic designers, one room full of lawyers and one room full of accountants to serve hundreds or thousands of outlets around the planet, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrible for the communities in which they operate. Those are the higher-skilled, higherpaying positions that also have the potential for people gaining skills that will allow them to start businesses of their own. So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left in the community are usually the lower-paid, lower-skilled positions.

What does an IBA do?

The single most important ability is to create a strong collective brand that can give independent businesses the kind of community-wide recognition itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult for them to achieve individually. People are always inclined to go to someplace they know they can find what they need or are looking for. ...

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the success of chains. â&#x20AC;Ś Even if

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they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know your restaurant or your print shop, if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to recognize that the collective brand for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackson Independent Business Allianceâ&#x20AC;? stands for a high-quality, locally owned business, that can make it an easier choice for them to go to a new place they might not know directly.

Jackson has suffered from a lot of disinvestment. How should residents of an area that might lack retail options of any kindâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that might be praying for a Walmartâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;look at independent business?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get trapped in this idea of a false set of choicesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that if you want to have basic household goods available inexpensively in your downtown, then you need to have a JCPenney or what have you. By creating the culture of support for independent business, you get more and more people thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so crazy that our town could have an independent local store that provides for our basic needs.â&#x20AC;? Or maybe even, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can do it ourselves.â&#x20AC;?

Something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually becoming a trend out here in the Rocky Mountain west is smaller communities starting up their own community-owned stores. In fact, right over the pass from where were are in Bozeman (Mont.), a town called Livingston has the Livingston Mercantile in the heart of downtown, where you can find all the basic clothing and house-ware items you could need, at a store thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100 percent owned and operated by the residents of the community.

The IBA calls itself the only â&#x20AC;&#x153;uncompromisedâ&#x20AC;? organization of its type.

Explain.

While everybody has chambers of commerce and downtown organizations and other business groups, without an organization thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited to locally owned and independent businesses, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never going to have a voice that can stand up for their interests. Even in a place where the chamber of commerce could be 90 percent local businesses, just having a handful of absentee-owned businesses, or

Jeff Milchen, who helped organize independent businesses in Boulder, Colo., speaks at Koinonia Coffee House on Nov. 19.

chains or developers whose clients are chains, is going to make it very difficult for them to take a position that says local, independent ownership is preferable to absentee or corporate ownership.

Boulderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hippie town. Wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it a cinch to start AMIBA in a place already opposed to large corporations?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely a liberal town, but it also is one of the most transient communities in the U.S. That tendency, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a new place, to go to the familiar, corporate brand namesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge. Boulder, because it has 30,000 students at the University of Colorado â&#x20AC;Ś created a lot of challenges. But for anyone who thinks Boulder is a special case, I would just tell them to look at the map now, with 70 communities around the country (with IBAs).

The model has proved itself successful in communities of pretty much any size, ideology or circumstance you can imagine.

Is it possible that Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of transient population could be an asset?

It absolutely is an advantage. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a memory of what a community was like a decade ago â&#x20AC;Ś youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to care as much. The fact that people in Jackson â&#x20AC;Ś probably have a little more longevity and stability in the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;those community roots are definitely an advantage.

Note: JFP and BOOM Jackson publisher Todd Stauffer arranged for Jeff Milchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance.

traveltalk

by Robert S. McElvaine

Dr. Robert McElvaine & Millsaps College students at The Citadel in Hue,Vietnam in May 2010. Front: Frances Tubb, Heather Keenan, Kate Sundell, James Bridgforth, Anne Waldrop.

Back: George Holmes, Sharon Yoo, Dan Garza, Bob McElvaine, Mary Rebecca Martin.

“I

thought I was having a hallucination,” student Sharon Yoo wrote in her journal. “It was like the scenery from the movie ‘Avatar.’”

The natural wonder that produced such awe for the student is Ha Long Bay, an offshoot of the Gulf of Tonkin, a calm bay with blue-green water that has more than a thousand huge limestone karst formations rising straight up out of the water. It is one of many sights and experiences in Indochina that do not conform to most Americans’ expectations about the region.

My first daylight view of Vietnam was a reassuring one. After arriving in Hanoi at night, the next morning I opened the curtain on my hotel room window and saw an American flag hanging from a pole just outside, above the front door of the hotel. That was on the first of my three recent trips to the country whose name dominated American consciousness four decades ago.

When I returned there in January leading an adult tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, my concerns had evaporated. And in May, when I took a group of nine Millsaps students to Vietnam and Cambodia, I was able to reassure them they had nothing to fear.

Millsaps is not the first American college to offer a course on the Vietnam War in the places where it happened, but such offerings remain unusual.

Apart from haphazard and ineffective attempts to block some of the free flow of in-

formation on the Internet, Vietnam seems to be much freer than one would expect. There is essentially zero visible police presence, and just about the only uniformed military people I have seen in the country are the guards at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi. It certainly doesn’t have the feel of an authoritarian state, and it’s well worth seeing.

“Oh, they Vietnamese. They LUUUF it!” That was the response of Ngoc, our guide in the north, to several questions about what Vietnamese people think about this or that.

Ngoc speaks English well but is more fluent in French. And when he and one of the students, Anne Waldrop, had a long conversation in French, he was amazed. He said he had never heard an American speak French so well— quite a feather in the Millsaps cap.

The trip wasn’t all beauty and fun, though. “The mood drastically changed from adventurous to silent and moody as we entered the area,” student Sharon Yoo wrote of our arrival at Khe Sanh. The American military assigned this spot major importance in late 1967 and early 1968. The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong kept the base under siege for several months. A substantial number of Americans lost their lives at this remote location. The North Vietnamese were apparently using Khe Sanh as a diversion to draw American forces away from Hue and other cities for the Tet Offensive. Once the siege ended, the Americans abandoned the base, which had been of no strategic importance in the first place.

“Hell looks a lot different now,” one returning Marine had written in the guestbook.

A Vietnamese man there tried to sell us bullets, other artifacts, and most disturbingly, dog tags from American GIs. Student Kate Sundell wrote, “I never want to forget how I felt at Khe Sanh, but I hope I never have to recollect it after this. Does that make sense?”

It does to me.

As emotional as our visit to Khe Sanh was, it was exceeded two days later when we went to My Lai. To Americans of my generation, this name brings an overflow of emotions. After our visit to the village, these students have similar emotions.

I had arranged for us to meet with a survivor, and we were ushered into a conference room to meet with Pham Thanh Cong, who was a boy of 11 on March 16, 1968, when American troops killed the other five members of his family and nearly 500 others. He survived beneath a pile of corpses, including those of his family.

Just hearing this survivor’s story was moving. But, by chance, was also in the room was an American Marine who had been stationed in 1968 just up the coast and had loaded the helicopters that went out that fateful morning.

He was distraught and apologetic.

“It was one of the most powerful and deeply moving days of my life,” Anne Waldrop. “In these moments the war became extremely personal.”

“Tension. Immediate,” Kate wrote. “I struggled to meet (the survivor’s) gaze. How could I forget? How can anyone?” None of us will forget this day. It was an educational experience that could never be attained in a classroom.

Saigon, aka, Ho Chi Minh City, is an entirely different world from the rest of the country and an experience that everyone going to Vietnam should have, but it’s not my cup of tea. It’s too big. It’s too crowded. Downtown, there are stores from many of the most expensive designer names in the world. Hanoi is the official capital of the so-called Socialist Republic of Vietnam, but Saigon is plainly the

real capital of what is actually the Capitalist Non-Republic of Vietnam.

Anne, who is white, summed it up nicely: “If Saigon is communist, I’m black.”

Cambodia We were at Ta Prohm when the rainy season began. It was ungodly hot when we got to Siem Reap, the gateway town to the amazing temples of Angkor. Ta Prohm is the so-called “jungle temple,” where the ruins are overgrown with massive roots. We all greeted the downpour with open arms—literally, stretching our arms out and soaking up the rain.

Students rode elephants at Angkor Thom, saw the majesty of Angkor Wat (where some of us tried a snack of fried crickets—I thought they could have used some Tabasco), and had one of the best days of the trip when we journeyed out to Phnom Kulen, the holiest mountain in Cambodia, having excellent local food as we sat in a hut by a river and later splashed beneath a beautiful waterfall.

In between these many happy moments, though, there were frequent reminders of the atrocities the Khmer Rouge had committed by beggars with missing limbs lost to land mines to the Siem Reap killing field, which is now a temple with a display of hundreds of human bones and skulls of victims.

So recently a place of unspeakable horrors, Cambodia today has the feel of extraordinary freedom and happiness. Visiting there reinforces the hope that human goodness can triumph over the worst in our natures.

All the students say the trip immeasurably enriched their lives. “This trip broke all boundaries of a class taken for credit,” Anne remarked. “Such experiential learning could never happen in desks or in front of chalkboards!”

Robert S. McElvaine is a history professor at Millsaps College. He will lead an adult trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in early January.

For more information, visit http://home.millsaps. edu/mcelvrs/Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos-Jan2011.htm or contact him directly at mcelvrs@ millsaps.edu or 601-974-1291.

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Millsaps at Vietnam

13

jfp op/ed

opining, grousing & pontificating

EDITORIAL

The Cost of Not Shopping Local

J

acksonians were bummed to discover last week that the city plans to raise water fees by 13 percent and sewer fees by 6 percent to shore up the city’s budget after a drop in sales-tax revenue.

This means that we are paying the price for shopping outside Jackson and sending our sales tax out of town.

No doubt, a bad economy has meant less spending. But that isn’t the whole issue: We’ve watched businesses flip from one side of the County Line Road to the other in recent years, taking a chunk of the capital city’s cut of the sales tax with them. And every time a Jackson resident leaves the city to shop, we are setting up a scenario that can lead to drastic increases in water fees and the like.

In Jackson, we pay a 7 percent state sales tax, in addition to two percentage points that are divided between the Jackson Convention Center and the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. Of the 7 percent on most purchases, the state then pays the city of Jackson 18.5 percent a year, which makes up a large portion of the city’s budget. As businesses, and customers, leave the city, that share falls.

In other words, where you shop really matters. If you care about Jackson, spend more in the city. This applies even if you’re choosing to shop at a large chain retailer: When you shop at Target in Jackson instead of in Flowood, more of your tax dollars come back to Jackson. We’re not saying to never shop outside Jackson, but if every one of the 64,337 JFP readers spends 25 percent more inside the city limits, it would make a difference.

Of course, the real strength of our city’s economy comes from locally owned businesses inside the city limits. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a truly locally owned business (be sure to ask where their home office really is, by the way), only $27 leaves the local economy, mostly for supplies not available locally. For a non-local business or chain store, $57 of every $100 leaves the city.

This also means that if you are going to spend outside the city limits, please choose a locally owned business as close as possible to help the greater Jackson area. (We print BOOM Jackson with Hederman Bros. in Ridgeland, for instance.) The worst scenario for the city is spending money with national chains outside the city limits.

Want to join others in the Spend Local First movement? Come out Friday, Nov. 19, to Koinonia Coffee House at 9 a.m. to hear Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance, brought here by the JFP-BOOM. The “local” ideas are sure to flow.

KEN STIGGERS

Turkey Day Parade

November 17 - 23, 2010

M

14

iss Doodle Mae: “As the holiday season approaches, Jojo’s Discount Dollar Store is gearing up for a special event during Thanksgiving. It’s an event the financially challenged community will enjoy. If you love a parade, join the Jojo’s Discount Dollar staff, PorkN-Piggly Supermarkets, Let Me Hold Five Dollars National Bank, Hair Did University School of Cosmetology, The Ghetto Science Team and more as they march down the pothole-ridden Ghetto Main Street in the ‘Financially Challenged Turkey Day Parade.’

“All the fun and fabulous parade floats are made by students from the mechanical-shop classes of Cootie Creek County Community College and the Ghetto Science Team Technical Institute. Reverend Cletus and his deacon mechanics will provide all of the transportation services for the parade.

Look for the hybrid hoopties to carry many of the floats you will see this Thanksgiving.

“If you like the beat of the drums, the blare of the horns and the fancy uniforms, come and watch the Battle of the Vocational College Bands, featuring the Hair Did University Fighting Professionals versus the Ghetto Science Team Technical Institute’s Talented 100. Chief Crazy Brother and the Ghetto Science Team’s Repertory Theater will perform a thought-provoking mobile drama titled ‘For Black Brothers Who Considered Robbing Somebody When They Couldn’t Find a Job in the Recession.’

“Remember: Don’t let deep, dark depression, excessive misery and results from the past election break your spirits this holiday season. Come and enjoy the ‘Financially Challenged Turkey Day Parade.’”

LETTER TO ThE EDITOR

Payday Loans Needed

E

very American adult has experience in financial management. But despite the fact that we all manage our personal finances and make decisions every day about how to spend, save and invest, many of us remain baffled by the complicated systems behind our dollars.

Whether it is the interest rate on your credit card and its relationship to the fed’s prime rate, or the fees your bank charges to cover a bad check, it can all be rather confusing.

When it comes to borrowing money, perhaps the most transparent and crystal-clear transaction a consumer could be involved in is a payday loan. It’s simple. The contract is one page, and the person behind the counter walks you through it.

Right there on the contract is the total amount you are borrowing, the fee you will be charged and the date your loan is due.

You can’t “roll over” the loan after the due date. By Mississippi law, you must pay it in full.

There is no compounding of interest, no adjustable rate, no interest-only option, no pre-payment penalties, no processing fee, no origination fee or documentation fee.

So, as a payday lender myself who hears all the time from customers that they choose payday loans because they are easy to understand, I was baffled by your Nov. 8 article (JFP Daily Person of the Day: Beth Orlansky) in which lawyer Beth Orlanksy says that my customers “don’t know how expensive it is until it’s too late.” I was even more shocked by her assertion that customers “end up paying a new fee every two weeks until they finally pay off a loan several months later.”

As a legal professional herself and an advocate for legislative change, it seems odd that Ms.

Orlansky is completely ignorant to the current law governing payday loans. That law ensures that customers cannot pay only the fee. They must pay off the entire loan at the end of the loan term, which is between 14 and 31 days and averages 23 days. A simple five-minute phone call to the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance would reveal that fact.

Ms. Orlansky, it seems, also knows very little about the consumers who use payday loans since she makes references that they are “poor people.”

Actually, the average income for a payday loan customer is $39,000 a year, which would certainly not qualify as poor. Our customers are hard-working Mississippians who occasionally have an urgent need for a small amount of cash.

Payday loans are one option that serves that need, and customers choose payday loans in full knowledge of the fee charged.

Many customers choose our loans because they are the most cost-effective alternative. It is less expensive, for example, to borrow $100 at $21.95 than to bounce a check and pay a $35 fee to your bank. It may be less expensive to borrow $300 for a fee of just under $66 than to pay a reconnect fee on a utility bill.

I would challenge Ms. Orlansky and the Jackson Free Press to take a closer look at the facts, to take out a loan, and to get to know some customers before continuing a crusade against an industry that provides important and extremely transparent access to credit to tens of thousands of Mississippians.

Dan Robinson Borrow Smart Mississippi

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.

Terri CowarT

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I

n 1972 I went on a Girl Scout camping trip to Washington, D.C. One of the chaperoning mothers brought along her son, Terry. We kidded with each other that I was girl “Terri” and he was boy “Terry.”

Terry’s family moved to Monroe, La., shortly after our return home to Vicksburg. Terry and I had developed a little crush for each other and decided to keep in touch by writing.

I remember waiting days, sometimes weeks for the mailman to deliver a letter.

Nevertheless, no matter how impatient I felt, I had to wait for that letter to arrive.

When I was younger and dinosaurs roamed, communication was obviously a bit slower in comparison to our technology today.

With cell phones, I can communicate instantly. No matter where they are, and no matter where I am, I can call or text. No sitting by the mailbox waiting on the mailman. All I have to do is type in a phone number or text my message and, bam!, I have communicated.

Unfortunately, people abuse this break-neck-speed form of communication.

It seems we are “slow” in figuring out how to regulate ourselves as to when and where to call or text.

The most dangerous form of cellphone use is driving and texting. On its one-year anniversary of calling for a ban on cell phone use and texting while driving, the National Safety Counsel put out a report using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The report showed that drivers using their cell phones cause 28 percent of traffic accidents—at least 1.6 million crashes each year. Those driving and texting cause a minimum of 200,000 additional wrecks every year.

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute also found that texting is the most dangerous distraction for drivers. VTTI’s studies show we are at a 23 times greater risk of being in an accident when we drive and text.

In another study done by the University of Utah, cell-phone use was found to be the equivalent to a person driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08, the minimum level for drunk driving.

It’s horrifying for me to think about teenaged drivers and texting, especially since I’m a mother of a 17-year-old son.

Statistics show that teenagers—new drivers—are already three times more likely to have car accidents.

Half the teenagers surveyed in 2009 by Liberty Mutual Insurance Group admitted to texting while they drive. It makes for a deadly combination.

A friend of mine recently had a close call. He had been riding along with his son in the new car he had received for graduation when his son began texting while driving. My friend warned his son of the danger to himself and others. Unfortunately, his words fell on deaf ears. Late that night, he received a call: His son had been in an accident and had totaled his new car.

Luckily, neither he nor anyone else was seriously hurt. Yes, his son had been texting.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have passed some type of textingwhile-driving ban.

Unfortunately, Mississippi is not included in the seventeen. This past legislative session, our Mississippi Senate approved legislation outlawing text messaging by all drivers, but it failed in a House Committee.

In 2009, however, Mississippi banned text messaging for drivers who have restricted licenses. Hopefully, when our Legislature returns in January, a distracted driving law will pass. State Sen. Kelvin Butler, D-Magnolia, a sponsor for last year’s push to outlaw text messaging for drivers, says he will return in 2011 to reignite the bill.

While we wait for our government to take action on a ban, we must use selfdiscipline. We must be examples for all the young drivers on the road. We must talk about, educate, nag, scream and holler— whatever it takes to get the message out about dangerous and inappropriate times to call and text.

Even with all our speedy communication devices, there are still times we must practice patience. I had to wait at my mailbox for Terry’s letters; surely, I can delay reading or writing a text message while I’m driving. I hope you can, too.

Terri Cowart lives in Vicksburg with her family. A lover of dark chocolate, she can’t live without “Days of Our Lives.”

Are you interested in writing a column for the Jackson Free Press? Send your column to editor@jacksonfreepress.com.

His son had been in an accident and had totaled his new car. Yes, his son had been texting.

CorreCTioN: In “Mythic Paint,” by Charlotte Blom in the Home Issue (Volume 9, Issue 9, Nov. 10-16, 2010), we incorrectly stated that the paint was used in the New York City subway. The Jackson Free Press apologizes for the error.

jacksonfreepress.com

Editor in Chief Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer

15

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

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16

AARON PHILIPS

by Lacey McLaughlin

O

llie Jackson’s baby, Lauryn, sleepily rubs her eyes as she sits on her 19-year-old father’s lap during a football game at Newell Field in Jackson. As Callaway and Lanier High School football teams battle each other, several bubbly teenage girls gather around and lavish his daughter with attention. The 9-month-old smiles as the teens take turns holding her. Ollie searches the field for his girlfriend, Lanier High School senior Ariel Jones. Each Friday night, Ollie brings the baby to football games while Lauryn’s mother volunteers as the band manager. The couple lives separately, but each takes shifts raising their daughter.

Ollie met Ariel, 18, two years ago while they were both Lanier students. Ollie said he was drawn to Ariel’s pure heart. He had prayed for God to send him someone like her. The couple shared the same faith: Ollie is a leader of a local Young Life chapter, and Ariel is a spirit dancer at her church.

Three months after they started dating, Ariel started feeling nauseous and tired. At the suggestion of a cousin, she took a pregnancy test, and it came back positive.

As the former leader of Lanier High School’s snare-drum section, Ollie says his band director, Roderick Little, taught him what it means to have discipline. In the band, he learned to think through situations and not give in to peer pressure. “I wasn’t thinking with Ariel, though. I was in the moment,” he says of their decision to sleep together.

A State Epidemic Ollie and Ariel represent the high number of teens, ages 15 to 19, who are having babies in Mississippi. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control reported that Mississippi has the highest teen birth rate with 60 percent more teens giving birth than the national average. In 2008, the national teen-birth rate average was 42 per 1,000 teenagers. On Oct. 22, 2010, the CDC released a report showing that Mississippi’s teen-birth rate is 65.7 per 1,000 teenagers. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy reported in 2006 that teen childbearing costs Mississippi taxpayers approximately $135 million a year when the teen birth rate was 62 per 1,000 births.

Teenagers today are inundated with mixed messages about sex from the media, music and their peers. The media tend to glorify teen moms like Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin, while movies like “Juno” and “Knocked Up” show unplanned pregnancies with happy endings.

The majority of sex-education programs in Mississippi provided by schools, state agencies, community organizations and churches rely heavily on abstinence-only-until-marriage education. Until recently, the state poured millions of dollars into promoting this message through television commercials, billboards and radio ads. The question is: Does it work?

In spring 2009, a group of Rankin High School students gathered for a mock wedding ceremony at their school. This abstinence-education activity required students to role-play a preacher, bride and

groom, while the remaining students played the role of the wedding guests. During the “wedding,” the bride and groom lit a unity candle and exchanged rings.

The bride presented the groom with a dirty sneaker as a wedding present to represent impurity. The groom gave the bride a clean sneaker representing sexual purity.

At the end of the ceremony, the students pledged to remain pure until marriage and bring clean tennis shoes to the marriage.

The report “Sex Education in Mississippi: Why Just Wait Doesn’t Work,” by Planned Parenthood and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States cites this activity as one example of ineffective solutions to the state’s high pregnancy rate.

“The symbolism of shoe exchange perpetuates the outdated notion that if a girl does not abstain from sexual activity until marriage, she will be undesirable to a future partner,” the report states.

Not Now, the program that hosted the activity, is one of several state abstinenceonly programs that receive federal funds.

In 1981, the Reagan administration started to fund abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, which continued through President George W. Bush’s tenure. Since 1996, federal funds for abstinence-only education totaled more than $1.5 billion.

Up to the Plate Ollie remembers what it felt like to wait for his father to pick him up for the weekend when he was 12 years old. His parents never

married, and Ollie would call and ask his Dad to pick him up for the weekend so they could spend time together. Hours would pass, but he remained patient, looking up and down the street at each car passing by. He didn’t move until his mother forced him to come inside at 11 p.m. His father, a truck driver, seldom carried through on his son’s requests.

After he and Ariel decided to keep their baby, Ollie knew he couldn’t let his daughter grow up that way “I just want my child to have a relationship with her father. I don’t want her to feel the same way I did,” he says.

Ariel said she named her daughter after a character in the movie “Daddy’s Little Girls.”

The film is about a father who fights for custody rights for his three daughters.

“We tried to pick a name that would help her get a good job,” Ariel says.

Ollie stayed by his girlfriend’s side while she was in labor and helped her. He was awestruck the first time he saw his daughter.

“Did he tell you he cried?” Ariel asks after the band’s halftime performance.

“I did not cry,” Ollie interjects. “It was late, I was tired, and my eyes were red and just happened to water.”

As the two teams enter the fourth quarter, Lanier is losing the game by several points.

A few players get into a scuffle, and moments later a full brawl takes over the field with referees and coaches trying to break up the fight.

The referees call for a 20-minute recess, and the two bands use the break to have a battle of KIDS, see page 18

jacksonfreepress.com

Ollie Jackson, 19, and his girlfriend, Ariel Jones, 18, pictured with their 10-month-old daughter, Lauryn, at Ariel’s home on Utah Street.

17

KIDS, from page 17 the bands. The loud thud of the snare drums vibrates the stadium.

Lauryn is undaunted by the pounding beat. She buckles and straightens her knees following the rhythm. Ariel was Lanier’s band manager throughout her pregnancy and believes that her daughter is showing an early interest in music.

November 17 - 23, 2010

already five weeks pregnant. She hadn’t taken a test, yet, but she had already missed a period and says she had a feeling she was pregnant. Ollie says the summit “changed his life” even though the message came a few weeks too late. “It just made me think more about everything, and made me want to be more careful,” he says.

While the state’s teenagers continue to hear mixed messages, the national debate about sex education rages on. Sex-education advocates point to a 2007 federally commissioned Mathmatica Policy Research Center report that studied four federally funded abstinence-only programs and 2,000 teens over the course of nine years. The center found that the teens who participated in the program were no more likely to abstain from sexual intercourse than those who did not participate.

The National Abstinence Education Association, however, claims that the study is too narrow.

encouraged comprehensive sex education to reinforce her message. Her own mother had never talked to her about safe sex, she says.

“I don’t remember my mom discussing sex with us,” Johnson said. “She brought a book in my bedroom and said, ‘This is where babies come from,’ and left. There was no discussion. … I was frank with (my kids). It wasn’t anything I could do differently. They are going to get into the moment and think about it, or they are just going to do it and pray (pregnancy) doesn’t happen.”

Tiffany is adamant that she doesn’t want Ollie’s story glorified, but she acknowledges that her son has become a role model for his peers. “I don’t want people to think that because you got into this situation that your life is over,” she says. “I stressed to him that he has goals and a child to try and support. I also stressed that I never wanted him to leave that responsibility on Ariel. He has to share the responsibility.”

Ariel, who is softspoken and polite, acknowledges that she is one of the lucky ones.

AAron PhilliPs

‘‘My No-No Square’ In 2008, Mississippi received $5,742,594 in federal funds for abstinence programs through two sources: Community-Based Abstinence Education funds and the Adolescent Family Life Act. In 2009, the state received $4,678,644 in federal funds for abstinence programs. In the federal budget for fiscal year 2010, President Barack Obama zeroed out the remaining $150 million for abstinence-only programs, and Congress allocated $114.5 million toward teen-pregnancy prevention programs that teach safe sex-practices in addition to promoting abstinence.

The state Department of Human Services has traditionally administered grants from federal funds to organizations that promote abstinence-only education. DHS manages the Abstinence Education Unit and its Just Wait abstinence program, which is currently inactive because federal funds for the program expired Sept. 30. The Just Wait program worked with local school districts and implemented its own curriculum and media campaign.

The 10-page curriculum instructed teachers to tell students that premarital sex causes depression in addition to unwanted pregnancies and STDs. It also includes a “Cookie Exercise” to demonstrate how easily STDs are transmitted.

The exercise requires four students to spit a chewed-up Oreo cookie into a cup of water and then swap cups with other students, while a fifth student receives a clean cup of water.

The instructor then asks the students which cup of water they’d rather drink. According to the lesson, the four students represent sexual activity, while the fifth represents “purity.”

In May 2009, the MDHS held “Abstinence Works: Let’s Talk About It,” a summit at the Jackson Convention Complex for area teenagers. The event started with Soulja Boy’s “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” blaring the lyrics: “Watch me crank that soulja boy, then superman that ho.” High-school cheerleaders followed with a performance, chanting: “Stop. Don’t touch me there! You know this is my no-no square.” The summit proceeded with prayers, worship dancers and a speech by Adams County Judge John Hudson who said that having pre-marital sex went against Ten Commandments because it is the equivalent of committing adultery.

In September 2009, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in federal court against DHS Executive Director Don Thompson and DHS Director of Economic Assistance Cheryl Sparkman for promoting religion at a taxpayer-funded event. The ACLU used the event to speak out against abstinenceonly-until-marriage programs for promoting unscientific data and conflicting messages.

18 “We are concerned with the program be-

cause of the alienation to the LBGT community, and the content often has a lot of gender bias,” Brigitte Amiri, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproduction Freedom Project, told the Jackson Free Press last year. In addition to the summit being unconstitutional, Amiri said the message excludes the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community because waiting until marriage is not an option for many gay and lesbian couples.

Last September, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, who supports abstinence-only education, spoke out against the lawsuit.

“I was so disappointed that the ACLU has decided that we don’t need to tell young women in the state of Mississippi about our faith; we don’t need to explain to them that abstinence, we believe, is related to our faithful Christianity beliefs,” Bryant told WAPT. In September 2010, U.S. District Judge William Barbour Jr. threw out the lawsuit on the grounds that the complaint did not allege any violation of federal rights by Thompson or Sparkman. Barbour wrote that MDHS of-

Ollie Jackson says he wanted to be a part of his baby’s life and share the responsibilities of parenting with his girlfriend, Ariel Jones.

ficials submitted affidavits claiming that the department would not hosts any more summits because “MDHS has no intention of sponsoring another statewide abstinence summit due to changes in the way federal funds for such activities are allocated.” Since the summit was not going to continue, Barbour wrote that MDHS officials were not engaging in ongoing constitutional violations.

Mississippi ACLU Interim Legal Director Bear Atwood said in October that even though the judge threw out the lawsuit, she considered it successful because it put pressure on the department to stop the summit.

Ollie and Ariel were among the 5,000 teenagers attending the summit. Ariel was

Repeating Cycles Ollie’s mother, Tiffany Johnson, couldn’t look at her son when he told her he was going to be father. It was his senior year in high school, and colleges had been scouting him to play baseball. “I saw his aspirations; everything he wanted was just gone,” Tiffany recalls.

Tiffany, 40, was 19 when she gave birth to her first child. Eleven months later, she gave birth to Ollie. As a single mother, she remembers how difficult that time was, and she wants better for her son. Tiffany, who is the community outreach coordinator at Sykes Community Center, said she had taught her son about STDs and how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. She wishes the school district had

Ariel’s own mother had her at age 14, and her great grandparents raised her. Ariel’s mom lives currently lives in Florida.

Worried about Ariel’s grandparents’ reaction to her pregnancy, Ollie’s entire family gathered in their home to share the news.

The families cried and prayed together. Ariel says she received some negativity from a few members at church, but she didn’t let it hurt her faith.

“I never stopped going to church,” she says. I wasn’t ashamed or anything. Being a Christian and loving God, I believe he is the only one who can give life and who can take it. I try to have a positive look on it.”

For the past nine months, the couple has

taken turns keeping Lauryn. Ollie picks her up on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Ariel keeps her at her grandparents’ home for the rest of the week. The couple splits their responsibility on weekends based on their schedules. Ollie, who is a freshman at Hinds Community College, has put his dream of playing college baseball on hold. Ariel is looking forward to graduating in the spring and plans to attend Hinds and get a degree in nursing.

‘It’s a Blessing’ Last month, Ollie and Ariel attended a teen pregnancy forum at Henley-Young Detention Center, where advocates discussed the need for statewide comprehensive sex-education efforts. Ariel and Ollie spoke about what life was like as teen parents and whether comprehensive sex education should be taught in schools. The TeacHer Organization, a nonprofit that addresses teen health issues, hosted the forum.

“We made the choice, and this is what we got out of it,” Ollie said, pointing to Lauryn.

“It’s not an accident, it’s a blessing. Condoms help a little bit, but I know plenty of people who have used two or three condoms at a time and still gotten an STD.” Ollie’s misinformation on the use of condoms caught the attention of panelist Caryn Womack, who is a health educator with the Department of Health. “With comprehensive sex education, your friends would have been taught that two or three condoms are worse than none at all,” she said. Two or three condoms are more likely to rub together and break, increasing the chance of pregnancy or STD transmission.

In addition to teen births, Mississippi also ranks as one of the highest in sexually transmitted disease transmission. In 2008, the state had the nation’s highest rate of chlamydia and gonorrhea, and nearly 60 percent of all Mississippi students reported having sexual intercourse, compared to 47.8 percent nationwide, a 2010 Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States report found.

Another panelist at the forum, United Way Dropout Prevention Coordinator Shawna Davie, said comprehensive sex education goes beyond STDs and contraceptives, giving students the tools to make good decisions.

“Comprehensive sex education gets young people to talk about how they see themselves five years from now,” Davie said.

“If there is a conversation about what a young person’s future holds, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it if you get an STD. It’s just the difference between having a remote and getting up to change the channel. You can change the channel, but its not going to be easy.”

Davie cited several reasons for the state’s epidemic: different standards for young men and women; lack of education; and mixed messages from the media.

“We place a higher value on virginity on women, and at the same time, it sets up an adversarial relationship between boys and girls,” Davie said. “To a guy, if you hold on to your virginity, somehow there is something wrong with you. … We should care as much about young men getting STDs or (getting a girl) pregnant.”

Afraid to Say S-E-X Many legislators steer clear of bringing up or voting on a bill containing the word “sex.”

In conservative Mississippi, general consensus is that it’s not a school district’s role to teach sex education, but that of the parents.

Most school districts, however, strictly teach by the Mississippi Department of Education’s Framework guidelines, which teach abstinence until marriage and offer basic information about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. School districts can teach comprehensive sex education if a local school board votes and adopts such a policy.

But without public support—or legislation requiring school districts to adopt a specific policy—most school districts have not taken up the issue.

The state Legislature has failed to pass a comprehensive sex-education bill. In 2009, Rep. Alyce Clarke, D-Jackson, introduced a bill that would have required the state Board of Education and state Board of Health to establish a comprehensive sex-education program for high-risk school districts—or districts with the highest teen-pregnancy rates—from the start of the 2009 school year to 2012. If passed, the boards would have had to submit a report on the pilot program before Jan. 1, 2012, containing comparative data showing the number of pregnancies among students in the participating school districts before and during each year of the pilot program.

The boards would also have to make recommendations on whether all school districts should implement the program on a perma-

Evidence-Based Prevention Rachel Hicks, executive director of the education-policy group Mississippi First, also has little faith in getting a comprehensive-sex education policy passed during the 2011 legislative session.

“I personally don’t have a lot of confidence that a whole lot is going to get done legislatively this year,” she says. “Legislators are going to be not only beleaguered by the budget, but they are also going to be obsessed with redistricting, and this is also an election year.”

Instead, Hicks’ organization is taking another approach to get school districts to adopt comprehensive sex education. Earlier this year, the Obama administration eliminated abstinence-only funding in the 2011 fiscal-year budget. Instead, the federal government allocated funds through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Personal Responsibility Education Program.

The Affordable Care Act has allocated $155 million for teen-pregnancy-prevention grants called the Personal Responsibility Education Program. Mississippi is eligible for $2,051,711 for evidence-based teen-pregnanKIDS, see page 20

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jacksonfreepress.com

Lacey McLaughLin

Several billboards like this one appeared throughout the state as part of the Mississippi Department of Human Services’ Just Wait campaign to promote abstinence. This billboard is no longer located on High Street because federal funding for the program has expired.

nent basis. The bill passed the House 79 to 40, but died in the Senate Education Committee.

Last year Reps. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale, and Clarke took a compromise approach and introduced House Bill 837 requiring that school districts implement “abstinence only” or an “abstinence plus” sex-education policy.

Mayo said that the bill came at the recommendation of a legislative teen-pregnancy task force that found in 2010 that out of 210 Mississippi schools surveyed, 50 did not have a policy to address sex education, and 41 did not know if they had a policy. He says the bill was a step to get more school districts to implement comprehensive sex education, and because he believed that studies comparing comprehensive sex education to abstinence-only education were inconclusive, the bill would require school districts to adopt the policy that suited them best.

Once again, the House passed the bill, but this time, it died in the Senate Public Health Committee under Chairman Hob Bryan, D-Amory.

Mayo said he plans to introduce a similar bill in the 2011 legislative session and defended the legislation against accusations that the bill is a watered-down solution to lowering the state’s teen-pregnancy rate. “The choice was, quite frankly, a compromise to get something passed,” he said.

“Most of the districts don’t teach anything. What we want them to do is teach something, and we would follow them for a five-year period and see what the school district is teaching and see what works and what doesn’t. I wouldn’t call it watered down because right now, they don’t have to teach anything, and most of them don’t.”

Mayo said he doubts the bill will make it through the Senate in 2011. “Republicans don’t want to dirty the water during an election year,” he says.

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cy-prevention strategies in addition to curriculum for school districts and nonprofits.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved curriculum for the program, which teaches financial literacy, communication skills, career success, and healthy relationships in addition to information about contraceptives and safe-sex practices. The funding is expected to make its way to the state in June 2011.

Hicks said she is working with the state Department of Health and local school districts to instruct them how to apply for the funds. She said her organization plans to follow the school districts that receive funding and report to the Legislature in 2012 on the districts results in lowering teen-pregnancy.

The state is still getting funds for abstinence-only education.

Vera Butler, bureau director for the Mississippi Department of Human Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Division of Economic Assistance, confirmed that the department is no longer hosting a summit and that the Just Wait program is not currently active.

She said the state received $824,000 for abstinence-only education for the current fiscal year. Butler said MDHS is going to partner with the Mississippi Department of Education and use the funds to implement an abstinence-only program for community organizations and school districts. The program could start as soon as February 2011.

Sexuality Information and Education Council Director of Public Policy Jennifer Heitel Yakush said that even though the state is still receiving abstinence-only funds it, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily mean the two programs will compete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Title 5 abstinence-only program does have increased flexibility in what the state can do with the money,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very hopeful that the state of Mississippi will do less harmful and erroneous programs than they have done in the past. â&#x20AC;Ś Even with the more flexible guidance; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still problematic because you cannot have a complete and comprehensive conversation.â&#x20AC;?

Yakush said the comprehensive sex-education funds signal a new era for Mississippi because the state has never had this opportunity until now.

Lacey McLaughLin

KIDS, from page 19

Kennedy Elementary School employee Donna Busby feeds 6-month-old Wyatt Durham in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day-care center, which the McComb School District started for teen moms 10 years ago.

Double Standards Falandria Hintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend came to school last month with black eyes and scratches on her arms. Her 15-year-old friend is dating a man who is 40. She says that her friend is too scared to do anything about the abuse.

Falandria, 16, is one of several area highschool students who are part of the Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project at the Jackson Medical Mall.

The afterschool-mentoring program provides students with academic and support services.

During a Friday afternoon in October, the students spoke candidly about sex and the reasons for the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high teen-pregnancy rates.

Hinton was one of the most outspoken students. She said she sees a lot of girls her age who date older men, and warned her peers not to make judgments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of different things could be going on in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like rape,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you go with a man older than you, he has a lot more power. If he hits you, and you get pregnant, what do you do? Sometimes you gotta look past the simple fact that (teenage girls) are pregnant. Often itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like what it seems. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like she just laid down and got pregnant.â&#x20AC;?

Falandria said she sees a double standard when it comes to sex.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you see that a boy has sex with a girl, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK. If that girl makes him mad, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ho,â&#x20AC;? Falandria said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll say: You a ho, you this or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re that. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happens.

When you open your legs, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get called all sorts of names.â&#x20AC;?

Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project co-founder April Dortch, 28, became a mother herself at age 17 and said lack of self respect and educational opportunities can often make young girls feel like they have no other options. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think young girls who come from neighborhoods without money and resources find that these men can offer them things they have never had,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The age difference has something to do with it. If a 40-year-old man is with a 16-year-old girl friend, he is in a position of power.â&#x20AC;?

The state defines statutory rape as anyone 18 and older who has sexual intercourse with a teenager 14 or younger, or when the defendant is 36 or more months older than the minor. The crime is a felony, and if found guilty, a perpetrator could face from five to 30 years in prison. If the minor is under 14, the perpetrator could face life.

But enforcing the law is complicated.

KIDS, see page 22

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KIDS, from page 20

Van Jessica Johnson, 18, carries the sole responsibility of caring for her daughter, Christyanna Harper, while her boyfriend serves overseas in the U.S. Marine Corps.

November 17 - 23, 2010

Jackson Police Department spokeswoman Colendula Green said that the department enforces the law when parents report the incident or when an underage female delivers her child in the hospital, or comes to school pregnant, and staff reports the incident to the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson, who currently manages her own private law practice, says statutory rape is a complex issue.

“On one hand, you are finding these young girls who are getting pregnant, and it’s not the type of rape people think it is; it’s underage sexual activity that is becoming the norm,” she says.

“Then you have young men being charged, and they have a felony before they even have a driver’s license.”

Peterson added that perpetrators under 18 don’t have to be listed as registered sex offenders, but the charges stay on their record, making it difficult to find a job.

She acknowledges that actual pedophiles, who are several years older than the females they have sexual intercourse with, often are a reason for young women getting pregnant.

“Sex offenders are old enough to know better,” she says. “There is a bright line between an 18-to-19 year-old having a relationship with someone who is between 14 and 19, and someone who is over 21. You know better. You are not in school with them; you are a pedophile. That 14-year-old that he is dating won’t be the first, and she wont’ be the last.”

Brandie Finley, founder of the TeacHer Organization and a teacher at the HenleyYoung Detention Center, said it’s common to 22 see young girls dating men several years older

who pressure them into unprotected sex. “I think they are searching for acceptance,” she said. “They are more susceptive to peer pressure. A guy may say, ‘we don’t have to use a condom this time,’ but it takes just one time to get pregnant. We can teach these young women to care more about themselves. …. I don’t think they understand what they are giving up.”

Finley said she gets frustrated about the lack of education for young people in Mississippi about safe sex and personal health.

“Most of the girls I come into contact with are either pregnant, have a child or see themselves with a baby before the age of 18,” Finley said.

“The Legislature has a ‘them’ mentality.

We know this is prevalent in the urban community, but they don’t think it’s a statewide problem. It kind of pisses me off that we say, ‘don’t do it.’ Of course we don’t want them to do it. But what’s wrong with teaching the facts, and saying, ‘here’s a condom. Waiting is best, but if you don’t wait, here’s what you should do.’ This empowers them; it doesn’t encourage them to have sex.”

Creating Support Systems Christ Missionary & Industrial College High School student Van Jessica Johnson got pregnant last year and her boyfriend, Chris, joined the U.S. Marine Corps a few months before she gave birth.

School officials at the Christian private school she attended expelled her when she was three months pregnant. She claims her principal told her it would look bad for visitors to see a pregnant student at the school. School officials did not return calls.

“It’s a Christian school, so I feel like they should have talked to me,” Van Jessica said. “I don’t feel like I should have been kicked out. It was my last year; it was my senior year.”

After Johnson left CMIS, her grandmother—who is her legal guardian—homeschooled her. Van Jessica is currently attending Hinds Community College and earning her associate’s degree in criminal justice. She said she hopes to work as a police officer or a detective someday.

Her 9-month-old daughter, Christyanna Harper, has only met her father twice, because he has served overseas for the past year.

Van Jessica said she didn’t plan on getting pregnant. “I knew right from wrong, but I didn’t take it seriously,” she says. “I didn’t think I could get pregnant at such a young age.”

When she looks back at her situation, Van Jessica isn’t sure if sex education would have made a difference in her decision-making. Instead, she wishes she would have had access to mentors.

“Younger people learn better from people who aren’t their own age, but someone 25 or older—but not so old,” she said. “That would have helped me to have someone close to my age, but more mature to lead me down the right path, and give me more advice.”

Van Jessica says she struggles with trying to get her schoolwork done and watching her baby. Her grandmother helps out when she can, but with six younger brothers and sisters, it can be hard to focus on school.

Many teenage moms who raise children alone are forced to juggle child-are costs while trying to go to school or work. Davie says teen mothers can quickly become discouraged and drop out of school.

Jackson Public Schools had planned to build a day-care center at Wingfield High School through a State Incentive Grant the district received earlier this year, but canceled those plans after discovering that the grant funds could not be used for such a purpose.

“The U.S. Department of Education stated that SIG funds could not be used for student incentives, and a day-care center could be viewed in the same light,” said Dr. Abby Webley, executive director of school improvement for JPS, in a statement.

“Wingfield’s plan must address needs that directly align with increasing academic achievement and building the instructional capacity of teachers and administrators.”

Webley said the district would continue to seek alternative funds for day care. The McComb School District has a daycare and early childhood education center inside its Kennedy Elementary School.

The daycare, previously located in the district’s high school, allows teen moms to drop off their babies, free of charge, if they are going to school. The day care and early childhood center are designed as an inclusive support system in which babies starting at 6 weeks old can stay in the same school until they are in fifth grade. The school district made funds available through its budget 10 years ago to fund the program.

“Our primary goal is to help children compete,” McComb School District spokes-

woman Monique Gilmore said.

“If there are obstacles, and we don’t help them, then we can’t give them the tools they need to compete. You think about the kid you would lose if (we) weren’t here for them. We want to provide them with successful tools to raise their kids. … We are looking at what we can do. This is our community and our future.”

‘She is a Handful’ During a Nov. 6 rummage sale at Sykes Community Center, Tiffany Johnson greets potential buyers and instructs volunteers where to place items.

The sale is an effort to raise money for more senior-citizen activities. She walks over to a table piled high with baby clothes and points to two boxes nearby, also filled with baby clothes.

“See all these clothes? They were all donated to Ariel,” she says. “We have been totally blessed. The first year of her life, (Lauryn) didn’t need anything.”

In addition to the clothes from family and friends, Ollie’s Young Life leader, Vincent Gordon, donated a year’s supply of diapers to the young couple.

Ollie and Ariel have a strong support system. Ollie’s grandmother watches Lauryn during the day to save on child-care costs, and Ollie’s mom supports the couple financially.

Ollie is focused on transferring to Belhaven University for its sports medicine program.

Johnson says she doesn’t mind supporting her son if it means helping him get ahead.

During the rummage sale, Ollie and Ariel bring Lauryn to the community center to visit Johnson and say hello to the senior citizens. Johnson and two of the seniors inspect the little girl.

“You got nothing on that baby’s head; she is going to get a cold,” one says. “Look at her hair, she needs a comb,” Johnson chimes in.

The couple finds a comb, and Tiffany Johnson combs the few spots of hair sprouting up on Lauryn’s head.

“She is a handful. Yesterday she would not stop moving,” Ollie says.

As she sits in her dad’s lap, Lauryn squirms and tries to break free. She is on the verge of walking—grabbing tables and chairs to support herself so she can reach any shiny object that catches her attention.

Ollie says he is ready for Lauryn to start walking, even if it means she’ll be harder to contain. He’s noted each milestone of her growth. A few months ago, she uttered her first word: “Dada.”

“I want her to know everything I don’t know, and have everything I don’t have,” Ollie says about the future he envisions for his daughter.

“I want her to know responsibility and the value of working hard, but I don’t want her to have to worry about the things she needs.”

“It’s not easy. Adults even have problems raising kids,” Ariel adds. “We have had to suck it up. I know most teen moms don’t have the support that I have.”

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

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in the RUNOFF.

23

J.J. and Karson Williams

JUSTIN RIVES

by Valerie Wells

Family and friends blew bubbles as newlyweds Karson and J.J. walked hand-and-hand after their wedding ceremony, which they held in the home of family friends in Madison.

K

arson Williams laughed at a joke on top of the Ironworks Building in downtown Jackson. She and J.J. Luther had come up to the roof to look at the stars and talk. The tall blonde girl and the red-headed boy looked down at the sidewalk at their tattooed friends from The Ink Spot.

“Can I take you out?” Luther asked her.

That was three years ago. The first date led to romance. Karson, 24, and J.J., 25, got married in the late afternoon of Oct. 16, 2010 by Lake Lorman. She looked as if she had stepped out of a Jane Austen novel in her empire-waisted, cap-sleeved white gown. His black tuxedo covered his countless tattoos, although a couple tried to peek out.

“I never thought to count them,” he says a couple of weeks before the wedding. “I like the Indian head,” he says, crooking his elbow and examining his forearm. Both his arms are covered with colors and images, some seeming to overlap. Most have funny stories.

Karson only has a single tattoo, a small heart she got inked on her 18th birthday. She met J.J. when she was a student at Mississippi College studying public relations. He was a

tattoo artist at The Ink Spot. They had mutual friends who enlisted Karson’s PR skills in promoting art exhibits at the versatile tattoo parlor. J.J. caught her attention. He always had a funny story or quirky observation.

“What did J.J. say today?” she started asking her friends.

Time with J.J. was a welcome break to a heavy class load. After graduation, Karson got a job in social services. She now helps administer programs for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, and volunteers with Community Animal Rescue and Adoptions.

J.J. is working part-time at Cups in the Quarter while he attends Hinds Community College. “When I was 18, my dream job was to be a tattoo artist,” he says. The dream started to change. “The outside world started coming in. People started asking for weirder and weirder tattoos.”

Sometimes they would even ask for the same tattoo the last two or three clients had gotten. Then the Ink Spot closed this summer.

Now, he’s planning a career in social services just like Karson has.

“I feel like we’ve known each other for-

ever,” he says. “I take my cues from Karson.”

“We make a good couple,” she says. “He comes off mild. He’s my rock.”

About a year ago, J.J. decided to propose.

It was just after dinner, and Karson was loading the dishwasher. J.J. sent their puppy into the kitchen. “Karson, look at Penny,” he said.

She mumbled something like “yeah,” but kept her mind on her task.

“No,” he said louder, getting her mind out of the dishwasher. “Look at Penny.”

Karson looked at the copper-colored puppy and noticed a trinket dangling from the dog collar. It was her engagement ring.

At first, the wedding was going to be very small and intimate. They talked about inviting about 50 people, but over the year the list grew to 150 names. “It grew into a big, southern affair,” J.J. says.

Karson, the opposite of a bridezilla, let her mother and others make many of the decisions for the actual ceremony and reception.

“We don’t really care,” J.J says.

“We will be married, anyway,” she says, finishing his sentence. She had no problem turning over the stress and details to others.

She wasn’t even sure what flowers would be in her bouquet. “Sometimes it’s just easier,” she says.

Friends and family collaborated to create a relaxed yet classy wedding for the young couple. They held the ceremony at the Madison home of family friends Richard and Beth Dean on the shore of Lake Lorman. Kendall Poole and Bette Poole—family friends—were the wedding planners. Eggplant purple, artichoke green and coppery orange were the autumn colors for the lake-side ceremony.

Charles Hooker, who officiated the ceremony, also officiated the wedding of Karson’s mother and step-father. Hooker is her mother’s former boss. Six bridesmaids and six groomsmen stood with the couple. Groomsmen wore beards and hid tattoos under tuxedos.

When the bride walked down the aisle and stood with J.J., she took his arm and gen-

tly guided him to face the officiator. As they began their vows, a bug buzzed in Karson’s bouquet.

“I love John Jeffrey, and I ...” she said as the bug flew in her face. J.J. swatted the pest away from her even as the officiator was saying the next line for Karson to repeat. “... rejoice that he will be my husband.”

After the wedding and reception, the couple drove away in her stepfather’s 1991 black Cadillac. Their honeymoon in the city of Townsend, Tenn., in the Smoky Mountains was wonderful, Karson reports. They spent one week in a cabin with no Internet access and their cell phones turned off.

“He’s an easy-going jokester,” says Karley Williams, maid of honor and cousin of the bride. “She keeps them organized and keeps them grounded.”

Groomsman Clay Fitzpatrick agrees.

“They are a lovely couple,” he says. ”Their personalities may be different, but they balance each other out.”

Planning a cool wedding? Write hitched@ jacksonfreepress.com. No charge, of course.

Wedding Cake: That Special Touch Cakes (2769 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, 601-932-5223) Bridal Registry: Belk (150 Dogwood Boulevard, Flowood, 601-9195000, www.belk.com); Everyday Gourmet (1625 E County Line Road, Suite 500, 601-977-9258); Stein Jewelry (1896 Main St., Suite E, Madison, 601-605-8648) Bride’s Hair: Griff Howard at Ritz Salon (775 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite H, Ridgeland, 601-856-4330) Photographer: Justin Rives (rivesware@yahoo.com, www. justinrives.com

November 17 - 23, 2010

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No matter where you are in your life, we have the right personal loan for you.

• Commercial Loans – Whether you are starting, acquiring, or growing a business, we offer a number of financing solutions.

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You can also go to BestofJackson.com to vote online.

Arts organization Project under construction Business owner Change to the city Community activist Community garden Curmudgeon High school band Jackson visual artist (living) Jackson writer (living) Jewelry Designer Local columnist (employed) Local cop Local filmmaker Local live theater Local musician Local professor Local TV preacher New slogan for jackson Non-profit organization Photographer/photo studio Place to book a party or shower Public figure Radio personality Radio station (call letters only) Real estate agent Rising entrepreneur Wedding venue Stage play TV news reporter Under-appreciated Jacksonian Veterinarian or vet clinic Visionary

Bar Bar where everyone knows your name Bartender Biker hangout Blues artist Club DJ College student hangout Country artist Cover band Dive bar GLBT hangout Gospel artist Hip-hop artist (that’s not Kamikaze) Hotel bar Jazz artist Jukebox Karaoke DJ Local singer Margarita Martini New bar Open-mic night Original band Place for after-work drink Place for cocktails Place for live music Place to chill Place to dance Place to drink cheap Place to shoot pool R&B artist

Rock artist Sexiest bartender (female) Sexiest bartender (male) Singer/songwriter Sports bar

Asian (not Chinese) Bakery Barbecue Barista Beer selection (bottled) Beer selection (draft) Breakfast on the run (local) Brunch/sit-down breakfast Buffet Chef Chinese restaurant Cocktails Deli/local sandwich place Doughnuts Falafel Greek/Mediterranean Gumbo Hangover food Innovative menu Italian Kids menu Late-night dining Local burger Local French fries Local fried chicken Meal under $10 Mexican/Latin New restaurant Outdoor dining Pasta Pizza Place for dessert Place for fried fish Place to hang out with a laptop Place For ice cream Place for ribs Place to buy cakes Place to eat when someone else pays Place to get coffee Plate lunch Red beans & rice Restaurant Restaurant for appetizers Salad or salad bar Seafood Server/waitperson Soul food Steak Sushi Take-out Taqueria Vegetarian options Veggie burger Wine list/wine selection Wings

Annual event Barber shop Beauty shop or salon

Bookstore Boutique Campaigner for Best of Jackson Award Category we left off Caterer Dance lessons Day spa Dentist Doctor Ethnic or specialty grocery Flower shop Garden supply/nursery Hair stylist Kids event Lawyer Liquor/wine store Local bridal/gift registry Local fitness center/gym Locally owned business Martial arts studio Massage therapist Mechanic Men’s clothes Monogram shop Museum Nature walk Outdoor event Place to break up Place to buy antiques Place to buy art/gallery Place to buy kid’s clothes/toys Place to buy musical instruments Place to buy shoes Playground/park Plumber Reason to live in Jackson Tailor Tanning salon Tattoo/piercing parlor Thrift/consignment shop Unique gifts Yoga instructor Yoga studio

Casino for gaming Casino for shows Casino hotel College town Day trip

Name Phone E-Mail You must include your name and a valid phone number or e-mail address for your ballot to be counted. Caution: We call many voters to check for voter fraud. Don’t fake phone numbers!

Return to the address below by Dec. 15: Jackson Free Press P.O. Box 5067 Jackson, MS 39296 “Best of Jackson” is a registered service mark in the state of Mississippi.

jacksonfreepress.com

Y

es, Jackson, it is the eighth time we’ve asked you to select your Best of Jackson choices.

Remember, these awards help our locally owned businesses and personalities promote their wares, and they tell residents of the city and beyond how great our city is. Please take time to vote for the best local choices. (Don’t write in big-box and national chains, please).

1. One ballot per person with a phone number you’ll answer if we check (and we often do). No stuffing the ballot box, or your votes will be disqualified. Phone numbers are not used for other purposes.

2. No setting up computer scripts to try to cheat. You know who you are.

3. You must vote for a minimum of 20 categories for your ballot to count.

4. Fill out this form (or our online ballot). Must be postmarked or date stamped no later than midnight, Dec. 15.

5. Misspelled votes may be thrown out, so please check spelling if you want your votes to count.

6. Campaigning is encouraged: Yes, you can vote for yourself. We won’t tell.

27

YAZOO BREWERY BEERS Now Available in Mississippi!

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Many Mexican beer styles today are descendants of old Austrian styles, from when Austria ruled Mexico in the late 19th century.

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HEFEWEIZEN

An authentic example of a Bavarian Hefeweizen. “Hefe” means cloudy or yeasty and “weizen” means wheat. This beer is made with mostly wheat and uses a true Hefeweizen yeast that gives it a fruity, banana aroma with just a hint of cloves. The tart finish makes this the perfect summer beer.

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PALE ALE

A new version of an American classic. Our Yazoo Pale Ale bursts with spicy, citrusy hop aroma & flavor, coming from the newly discovered Amarillo hop. The wonderful hop aroma is balanced nicely with a toasty malt body, ending with a cleansing hop finish.

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The bracing bitterness of this beer helps to cleanse the palate after rich, creamy dishes. The citrus hop flavors go exceptionally well with any dishes using cilantro, such as Mexican salsas.

November 17 - 23, 2010

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28

Capital City Beverages

M I S S I S S I P P I ’ S C O M P L E T E B E E R S O U RC E

Jeffrey yentz

SPORTS p 36| PUZZLES p 37

Losing Time in Pen and Ink

He was ready for a new chapter in his life.

Jackson was a good place for a medical architect. And when Yentz and his wife Faye, 55, found a house in Canton, she made sure there was a place to keep her horse. He was looking for something else to make him feel needed.

Moving to Mississippi made him realize the obvious: Mississippi was the home of the blues, not Chicago as he had assumed as a kid.

Yentz loved the blues and wanted to explore this side of his new home. He has met so many people connected to the blues and has felt a personal connection. For Yentz, that has made all the difference.

“It’s so nice to be accepted for who you are and what you are,” he says.

“Each piece represents an attempt to reflect personality. If something doesn’t strike me emotionally, it doesn’t get drawn.”

Crosshatches, parallel lines that cross one another, fill his pen and ink drawings. The lines are so fine, so straight and so repetitive, the drawings look like etchings or linoleum prints. His intense stare focuses on his rhythmic drawing.

“I lose time when I draw,” he says.

A fine-nib pen glides across heavy paper creating straight lines by freehand. The width of each line has to be just right. The pressure Yentz applies has to be just right, strong enough to leave an impression in the paper, al-

courtesy elektra/asylum

Soul, Front and Center

I

am not a soul-music guy, generally speaking; I grew up on punk rock for the most part. Outside the luminaries of soul— Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, the Motown greats like the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Sam Cooke—my knowledge of the genre drops off precipitously on the musical graph. For the most part, modern soul seemed to be relegated to musical pillow talk.

It sounded like background music, something to underscore the romance.

Thank God for Cee Lo Green and “The Lady Killer.” Green brings soul singing back front and center, throwing a spotlight on it and making soul music that commands your attention like the forebears he so obviously reveres.

The former member of Dirty South rappers Goodie Mob, as well as the voice of Gnarls Barkley (whose single” Crazy” only hinted at what was next), squeezes more funk and sweat and emotion out over the course of one album than a host of wannabe lover-boy types chosen for their chiseled abs and cheekbones in place of talent.

Let’s face it: Green is nobody’s chiseled anything, but the man’s voice is the hook.

Green’s nimble vocal chords show impressive range, and his intonations are more than a singer paying homage to his influences: This is a formidable entertainer announcing his presence and deserving a listen.

From the opening, “The Lady Killer Theme (Intro),” a mixture of piano and spoken word that morphs into a surf-guitartinged spy-movie theme, Green serves up his

most like an engraving, but gentle enough not to tear it. The result is pictures with texture.

First, he draws in pencil. Then he goes over that in ink, adding more details. He uses new pens for the fine lines and older ones for shading. He goes through about six pens for each drawing.

Art is nothing new to Yentz. About five years ago, he worked in watercolors. He also loved art as a teenager. His father, who worked as a foreman in an iron foundry in Wisconsin, was suspicious of any field that didn’t have a practical business application. While his dad wanted him to work in the foundry one day, Yentz longed for an artistic outlet. Their com-

promise was architecture school.

When he started this series of pen-andink drawings earlier this year, Yentz said it was as if it had awakened a sleeping giant. He began to feel this was his calling and this was what he was meant to do.

One of his most recent works is a closeup of Robert Johnson Jr. playing the guitar.

“I chose to focus on the hands of a craftsman, a person who carved out a prolific place in the blues,” he says.

A half-dozen large pen-and-ink drawings by Yentz are on display and for sale at Burgers and Blues Café, 1060 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland.

by Chris Zuga mission statement. He does what he wants, and for those who insist rappers can’t sing, well, here is your proof to the contrary.

Touching on elements of ’80s pop in “Bright Lights, Bigger City,” which makes use of a “Thriller”-era-worthy rhythm in recognition of the imminent arrival of another weekend, Green goes on to simultaneously draw inspiration from and display a reverence for the architects of soul over the course of the record.

Motown pop bubbles up through “Satisfied,” and “It’s OK” sounds like a lost gem from the vaults of Detroit. Elements of Stax Records, Hi Records and southern gospel weave in and out through the tracks. The spy theme returns on “Love Gun” in the form of a cat-and-mouse duet with Lauren Bennett in which the two channel James Bond, John Barry and Lallo Schifrin to great effect.

“Wildflower,” a string-laden come-on and its jazzy darker counterpart, “Bodies,” encapsulate the excessive arrangements of Philly Soul in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Then there is what stands as the gal-

vanizing force of this batch of tunes: “F*ck You,” which incorporates back-up singers, funk guitar, bitterly funny lyrics and a heartbreakingly humorous use of four-letter words. Green conjures up the perfectly unplayable single, a breakup song for the text and Twitter age.

The album closes with “The Lady Killer Theme (Outro)” reprising the spy theme once more to bring the whole thing to a satisfying end.

The album tries on different stylistic motifs in a winning effort to both update and celebrate the sound of a genre that has been severely languishing between ultimately empty sheets. Green raised the bar with what is easily one of the most satisfying albums from start to finish in recent memory.

(And when is the last time you really got your money’s worth on a CD?) “The Lady Killer” excels at evoking echoes of every great soul single, floating around not as ghosts but as unifying spirits that inform a modern distillation of soul his29 tory. And it sounds timeless. jacksonfreepress.com

D

oodling a detailed picture on a napkin, the architect with white hair and blue eyes concentrates while a waitress clears the plates around him.

The drawing catches her attention during the lunch hour at Burgers and Blues Café. He letters her name and adds flourishes. He leaves the napkin along with a tip.

Jeffrey Yentz, 55, has left behind detailed drawings on napkins at coffee houses in Kosciusko and Jackson. The napkin he leaves at Burgers and Blues that day turns into an offer for a commissioned work of art: a collection of studies of hands playing guitars.

Four months later, Yentz has completed 32 large ink drawings of blues scenes from around Mississippi. The pieces are nostalgic, inspired by photographs from the 1950s and 1960s: women dancing in a juke joint on a Saturday night, a man playing the drums, a farm couple sitting on their porch.

Yentz only moved to the Jackson area last year, taking a position with the architecture firm Dean and Dean. His specialty is designing medical facilities. But it was at his last corporate job in Virginia, where he worked for 10 years, that he started to feel as if something were missing.

“I was at an impasse,” he says. “Do I want to coast the rest of my career, or do I want to make a difference?”

by Valerie Wells

69,500

adults in the Jackson metro read us in print or online.

Our multimedia promotion offers aggressive rates on a combination of print, web and JFP Daily advertising.

For more informations, call 601-362-6121 x11 or write ads@jacksonfreepress.com!

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The Stevens Point Brewery

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Happy Hour 4-7

November 17 - 23, 2010

EVERYDAY $2 Margaritas

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Open 11am Until 7 Days a Week

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teeped in a histor y that has transcended the trials of the Civil War, the Great Depression and Prohibition. More than 150 years later, the Stevens Point Brewer y continues to successfully brew quality beer, just as the brewer y’s founders, Frank Wahle and George Ruder, did in 1857.

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BEST BETS November 17 - 24

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

11/17

Cirque de la Symphonie

Historian Rowena McClinton discusses the Native Americans of Mississippi during “History is Lunch” at the Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.) at noon. Bring a lunch; call 601-576-6998. … The Szlubowski Duo plays piano during Unburied Treasures at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) at 6 p.m. Free admission; call 601-960-1515. … “Oklahoma!” at Thalia Mara Hall is at 7:30 p.m. $20-$62.50; call 800-7453000. … The Fall Dance Ensemble Concert at Belhaven University’s Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center (1500 Peachtree St.) is at 7:30 p.m. with shows through Nov. 20. $10 suggested donation, $5 seniors/students; call 601-965-1400.

and Assembly Center (1400 John R. Lynch St.) at 7 p.m. includes performers such as Smokie Norful and J. Moss. $37.60; call 601-979-2420. … Deborah Collage Grison signs copies of “A Love Supreme; a Poemoir” at Koinonia Coffee House at 6:30 p.m. $5 admission; call 601-2383303. … Girish performs kirtan at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.) at 7 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; call 601-594-2313. ... Cucho Gonzales’ Birthday Latin Jam is at Hal & Mal’s in the Red Room.

Friday 11/19

The Handworks Holiday Market at the Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) is from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $5, under 12 free; call 205-991-9840. … MART and Millsaps sculpture and digital-arts students give a collaborative performance at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.) at Galloway Halls of Residence at 7 p.m. Free; visit martgroup.org. … The play “Christmas Belles” at Black Rose Theatre (103 Black St, Brandon) is at 7:30 p.m., through Nov. 21. $12, $10 seniors/students; call 601-825-1293. … The Strikeforce Challengers mixed-martial-arts cage match at the Jackson Convention Complex is at 7:30 p.m. $23 and up; call 800-745-3000. ... Splendid Chaos is at Fire.

saTurday 11/20

Ve May signs “Dare to Live” at Cups in Fondren at 9 a.m. $17.99 book; e-mail any223@att.net. … Jackson State takes on Alcorn State in the Capital City Classic at Memorial Stadium (2531 N. State St.) at 11 a.m. $20 in advance, $25 day of game, $15 students; call 601-354-6021. … The open house at P.R. Henson Studio (1115 Lynwood Drive) is from noon-7 p.m. and continues Nov. 21 from noon-6 p.m. Free admission; call 601-982-4067 or 769-798-5536. ... Former Mississippi first lady Elisa Winter signs “Dinner at the Mansion” at Borders in Flowood, 2 p.m. ... King Edward is at Underground 119. ... Mia Borders is at Martin’s. ... Meet and Great is at Suite 106, 9 p.m.

The aerial duo Alexander Streltsov and Christine Van Loo performs at Cirque de la Symphonie at Thalia Mara Hall Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Fondren Unwrapped from 5-8 p.m. in Fondren includes a live art auction at Brown’s Fine Art (630 Fondren Place), the grand opening of circa. (2771 Old Canton Road), an artist reception for Jeanette Jarmon at Per Design Studio (633 Duling Ave.) and holiday shopping at Fondren stores. Call 601-981-9606. … WLBT’s Walt Grayson signs copies of “Oh! That Reminds Me” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.) at 5 p.m. $46.95 book; call 601-366-7619. … Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes hosts a public hearing on crime and violence at 6 p.m. at Jackson City Hall. The public is invited. For more information, contact Councilman Stokes at 601-960-1090. ... The Total Praise Gospel Tour at Jackson State University’s Williams Athletics

The ACLU of Mississippi Jazz Brunch at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) at 11 a.m. includes music by the Russell Thomas Jazz Quartet. $50, $25 students; call 601940-4950. … The New Bourbon Street Jazz Society will meet for dancing and music at Colonial Country Club (5635 Old Canton Road) at 3 p.m. Free; call 601-9568521. … The Mississippi United Concert for a Cause at Dreamz Jxn is at 7 p.m. Bring canned goods and your first drink is free. $10.

Monday 11/22

Claudia Gray signs copies of “Hourglass” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.) at 5 p.m. ; reading at 5:30 p.m. $16.99 book; call 601-366-7619. … The Central Mississippi Blues Society Jam at Hal & Mal’s is from 8-11 p.m. $5.

Tuesday

11/23 The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents Cirque de la Symphonie at Thalia Mara Hall at 7:30 p.m. $15-$50, $5 children; call 601-960-1565. …

Open-mic at Fenian’s at 9 p.m. Free.

Wednesday 11/24

Lori K. Gordon’s “Six Degrees: West to East” exhibit at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.) continues through Nov. 28. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m.

Sunday. Free; call 601-960-1557. … Anna Kline performs during the blues lunch at F. Jones Corner. Free. …

DoubleShotz performs at Shucker’s at 7:30 p.m. Free.

More events and details at jfpevents.com.

The Crystal Method (Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland) performs at Fire Nov. 20 at 9 p.m. maura lanahan

Thursday 11/18

sunday 11/21

jacksonfreepress.com

Wednesday

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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, noon-1 p.m., where they discuss vital issues and play local music. This week’s guests are artist Josh Hailey and Strikeforce mixed martial arts. Listen to podcasts of all shows at jfpradio.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17.

Fondren Unwrapped Nov. 18, 5 p.m., in Fondren.

This holiday edition of Fondren After 5 is your opportunity to find that special local find for your holiday shopping needs. Free; call 601-981-9606.

Friday Forum Nov. 19, 9 a.m., at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C).

The presenter is Jeff Milchen of the American Independent Business Alliance will discuss the topic “Strength in Numbers: How Independent Businesses Are Thriving Through Collaboration.” The event is sponsored in part by BOOM Jackson magazine. Free; e-mail nmcnamee@ greaterjacksonpartnership.com.

Holiday Handworks Arts & Crafts Holiday Market Nov. 19-20, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). Shop for handmade gifts from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 19 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 20. $5, children under 12 free; call 205-991-9840.

Holiday Saturday Shopping Day Nov. 20, 10 a.m., at The Mustard Seed Gift Shop (1085 Luckney Road, Brandon). Shop for special holiday gifts handmade by Mustard Seed residents. Call 601992-3556.

Holiday Mail for Heroes through Dec. 10. The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are teaming up to distribute greeting cards to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans during the 2010 holiday season. They are encouraging families, schools, youth, civic groups, scouting troops, places of worship and other groups to organize and host card-making events. For reasons of processing and safety, participants are asked to refrain from sending care packages, monetary gifts, using glitter or including any inserts with the cards. For more information and card requirements, visit redcross.org/holidaymail. Cards will be accepted through Dec. 10.

Community

November 17 - 23, 2010

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

• Credit Training Nov. 22, 5 p.m., in the Community Meeting Room. A BankPlus representative will give tips on improving your credit. Call 601-982-8467.

• Senior Aerobics Class Nov. 24, 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 Cartoon Basketball League Registration through Dec. 10. The Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting registration for the upcoming season. Youth ages 6-14 may participate. The deadline for registration is Dec. 10. The league divisions are divided into four separate age divisions. The league games begin Jan. 7. Registration requirements include a copy of a birth certificate and a photograph. $10 registration fee; call 601-960-0471.

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“History Is Lunch” Nov. 17, noon, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Historian Rowena McClinton discusses the Native Americans of Mississippi. Free; call 601-576-6850.

Women’s Council Luncheon Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m., at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001, Ridgeland). Panel guests include Sister Dorothea, president of St. Dominic Hospital, Tricia Herlihy of Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis P.A., Lauren McGraw of McGraw Gotta Go and Tanya Brieger of Belhaven University. Please RSVP. $30; call 601-605-2554.

Young Leaders in Philanthropy Lunch and Learn Nov. 18, 11:30 a.m., at United Way (843 N. President St.), in the boardroom. The session topic is education, and a representative for Teach America is the guest speaker. Please RSVP. $10 lunch or bring your own; e-mail kimberly@youngleadersinphilanthropy.com.

National Philanthropy Day Award Luncheon Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m., at Colonial Country Club (5635 Old Canton Road). The reception is at 10:30 a.m., and the luncheon is at noon. The honorees are Delta farmer Robert E. Smith and Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin. $50; call 601960-8477.

Ridgeland Rendezvous Nov. 18, 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. circa. Grand Opening Nov. 18, 5 p.m., at circa.

(2771 Old Canton Road). circa. is a retail store featuring artisan-created pieces for the home, garden and body. The event is held in conjunction with Fondren Unwrapped. Free; call 601-594-4901.

Holiday Cheer: Blues-Be-Gone Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m., at Hinds Behavioral Health Services Region 9 (3450 Highway 80 W), in the conference room. The program showcases cost-effective holiday ideas from creative gifting and decorating to crowdpleasing recipes. Free; call 601-321-2400.

Power APAC Chili Dinner Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m., at Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex (1120 Riverside Drive). Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the arts department for supplies, fees, costumes, music rights and other needs.

Donations welcome; call 601-960-5387.

Precinct 3 COPS Meeting Nov. 18, 6 p.m., at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly meetings are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from

crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003.

LGBT Support Group for Youth/Young Adults Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., at A Brave New Day (Fondren Corner, 2906 N. State St., Suite 204). Rise Above for Youth welcomes youth and young adults age 14-24 to connect with others in the community and to share experiences and resources. Free; call 601-922-4968.

“Why Amphibians Are Dying” Nov. 18, 7 p.m., at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton), in Price Hall. Over the last half century, the rate of decline among amphibians worldwide has become pronounced. Ranavirus and other pathogens are thought to be involved in this decline. Dr. Bob Sample of Mississippi College will share scientific research about emerging pathogens at the molecular level. Free, donations welcome; call 601-926-1104.

Mississippi Not-for-Profit Conference Nov. 19, 8 a.m., at Mississippi e-Center (1230 Raymond Road).

Speakers include Dawn Goldberg from the Internal Revenue Service Exempt Organization Division and Kay Walther, CPA and audit partner with Blazek & Vetterling. Kathy French from the Mississippi secretery of state’s office leads a discussion on charities registration. $95; call 601-366-3473.

Strikeforce Challengers Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.).

The mixed martial arts cage match includes competitors such as Jan Finney, Liz Carmouche, Caros Fodor and Derek “The Pretzel” Getzel. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. $23 and up; call 800-745-3000.

Classy Classic Affair Nov. 19, 10 p.m., at Roberts Walthall Hotel (225 E. Capitol St.). The party includes music by DJ Phil of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Wear classy attire. Limited advance tickets are available. $10; call 601-502-6884.

Capital City Classic Nov. 20, 11 a.m., at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (2531 N State St.).

Add Cheer, Not Expense

by Angela Essary olidays happen, but we have the power and responsibility to choose how we celebrate them and what they mean to each of us. It isn’t easy keeping holiday hoop-la, décor, parties, gift giving, cards and all the holiday hustle in perspective. The more-more-more bombardment in every store, from TV and radio ads, not to mention computer and uninvited cell-phone pop-up ads can be hard to ignore. Halloween decorations are barely down, and marketers have us ramping up for the Thanksgiving–Christmas–New Year’s holiday season.

This year, add some “cheer” without necessarily adding expense.

• Host a pot-luck Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner rather than killing yourself to deep fry a turkey and make everyone’s favorite dishes. People like to help. Let them.

• Hide an affordable present and host a scavenger hunt.

• Make and wear silly paper hats that tell something significant about you or the last year or your favorite Christmas. Make it a game for others to guess.

• Make a Christmas fort with the kids out of discarded freezer boxes. They’re free, and the time spent making them and playing in them will be remembered and better received than the Magic Kingdom itself.

• Play—board games, card games, drawing games, any kind of game that helps you connect to your kids or family or friends. Who doesn’t like playing?

• Tell someone you love them. Maya Angelou famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

• Make a gift. One November, I honored my grandparents’ 54th wedding anniversary with a tiny leather-bound journal filled with 54 stories, one for each year of marriage, recounting their lives together. It only took two days, a blank journal, a pen and scores of anecdotes collected from the family. It made my grandmother cry.

If you like these ideas and want more cost-effective, meaningful holiday gifts, decorations, tips and entertainment ideas, plan to attend the “Holiday Cheer” forum, hosted by Hinds Behavioral Health Services (3450 Highway 80 W.), Thursday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more info, call Marva Clark at 601-321-2400.

H

Jackson State University takes on Alcorn State University in this annual rivalry football game. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. $20 in advance, $25 day of game, $15 students; call 601-354-6021; visit capitalcityclassic.net for other related events.

Men’s Conference/Forum Nov. 20, 9 a.m., at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road).

The topic is “Why Am I So Angry?” Issues of anger, true leadership, trust, sexuality, positioning in the workplace, home and community, involvement, relationships, parenting and more will be discussed. Registration is requested. Call 601-519-0445.

Action Leadership Institute Seminar Nov. 20, 10 a.m., at Mississippi e-Center (1230 Raymond Road). The topic is “Learn To Write Your Own Proposal, Part I and II.” $39; call 601-965-0372.

ACLU of Mississippi Jazz Brunch Nov. 21, 11 a.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The event is a celebration of victories by the organization in 2010. Enjoy music by the Russell Thomas Jazz Quartet and catering by Mangia Bene. $50, $25 students; call 601-940-4950.

Brown Bag Luncheon Nov. 22, noon, at Suniora’s Sidewalk Cafe (200 S. Lamar St., # 900N). Barrie Carpenter, community outreach specialist with the Social Security Administration, with talk about matters related to Social Security. E-mail hamilton738@ hotmail.com.

Venture Incubator Open House and Seminar Nov. 22, 5:30 p.m., at Regions Plaza (210 E. Capitol St.). The informational seminar for business owners and entrepreneurs will provide information on how the Venture Incubator can help grow small businesses. A tour of the Venture Incubator offices will be done after the seminar. Please RSVP. Call 601-906-4868.

Jackson Touchdown Club Meeting Nov. 22, 6 p.m., at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Members of the athletic organization meet weekly during the football season and have access to meals, fellowship and the chance to listen to speakers from around the country. This week’s speaker is Steve Hale, executive director of the All-Star Senior Bowl Game in Mobile, Alabama. $280 individual membership, $1,200 corporate membership; call 601-9555293 or 601-506-3186.

Business Development Mission Call for Participants. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will lead a delegation of state business leaders on a business development mission to Costa Rica and Panama, March 20-26, 2011. The trip is designed to provide opportunities to Mississippi businesses looking to expand trade and create business relationships in the two markets. Registration deadline is Dec. 1. Space is limited. $500 per country; call 601-359-3155.

“Kappa Kamp” Pepsi Refresh Project.Vote once a day through Nov. 30 in the $250,000 category for the Kappa Kamp Project to benefit Piney Woods School. Visit refresheverything.com.

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. Call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

Farmers’ Market through Dec. 24, at Old Fannin Road Farmers’ Market (1307 Old Fannin Road).

Homegrown produce is for sale Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday until Christmas Eve. Call 601-919-1690.

Farmers’ Market ongoing, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project’s Farmers’ Market (2548 Livingston Road). A wide selection of fresh produce is 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; call 601-987-6783.

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STAGE AND SCREEN Events at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oklahoma!â&#x20AC;? Nov. 16-17, 7:30 p.m. In the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, two suitors compete to win a farm girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com. $20-$62.50; call 800-7453000. Cirque de la Symphonie Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. Aerial flyers, acrobats and jugglers share the stage with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. $15-$50, $5 children; call 601-960-1565.

Fall Dance Ensemble Concert Nov. 12-20, at Belhaven University, Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center (1500 Peachtree St.). See a showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble. Styles for the evening include classical and contemporary ballet and traditional and contemporary modern dance. Show times are 7:30 pm on Nov. 12, 13, 18 and 19, and 11 a.m. Nov. 20.

Suggested donation $10, $5 seniors/students, free for children, Belhaven faculty/staff/students; call 601-965-1400. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas Bellesâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 19-21, at Black Rose Community Theatre (103 Black St., Brandon).

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters attempt to put on a Christmas program in the midst of constant chaos.

Directed by Lydie Vick. Show times are 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19-20 and 2 p.m. Nov. 21. $12, $10 students and seniors; call 601-825-1293.

MUSIC New Bourbon Street Jazz Society Nov. 21, 3 p.m., at Colonial Country Club (5635 Old Canton Rd.).

Enjoy traditional Dixieland jazz, swing and dance music until 6 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Free; call 601-956-8521.

Total Praise Gospel Tour Nov. 18, 7 p.m., at Jackson State University, Williams Athletics and Assembly Center (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Performers are Smokie Norful, J Moss, Castro Coleman, Neal Roberson and comedian D.L. Henry. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. $37.60; call 601-979-2420. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Music for a New Ageâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Pianists Michael Dulin and Joseph Akins will perform in the recital hall. The concert benefits Mississippi Vocal Arts Week and the student production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Beggarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Opera,â&#x20AC;? both in January. $15, $5 students; call 601-974-1422.

Bells of Faith Nov. 21, 11 a.m., at Utica Christian Church (316 West Main Street, Utica). The Mustard Seedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handbell choir will perform. Free; call 601-992-3556.

Sundaze @ Smith Park Nov. 21, 2 p.m., at Smith Park (302 Amite St.). Come to the party for all ages where deejays drop the latest tunes. Deejays include Illusion, Odyss-e and DJ Libra. Free; e-mail r2sound@gmail.com.

LITERARY AND SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 North). Call 601-366-7619. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crescendoâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 17, 5 p.m., Becca Fitzpatrick signs copies of her book; reading of the book at 5:30 p.m. $18.99 book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gridiron Gloryâ&#x20AC;? Nov 17, 5 p.m. Members of the Frascogna family sign copies of the book. $28.95 book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Storiesâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 18, 5 p.m. WLBTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walt Grayson signs copies of his book. $46.95 book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sanctuary: Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coastal Plainsâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 20, 11 a.m. Stephen Kirkpatrick signs copies of his book. $40 book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Illusions of the King: A Magical

A M A LC O T H E AT R E

Journey Life as Elvis Presleyâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 20, noon.

Shea Arender signs copies of his book. $15.99 book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elvis and the Memphis Mambo Murdersâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 20, 1 p.m. Peggy Webb signs copies of her book. $22 book. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hourglassâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 22, 5 p.m. Claudia Gray signs copies of her book; reading of the book at 5:30 p.m. $16.99 book.

South of Walmart in Madison

ALL STADIUM SEATING Listings for Friday, November 19 - Thursday, November 23

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Love Supreme: a Poemoirâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). Deborah Collage Grison signs copies of her book. A discussion will follow. $5 admission, $20 book; call 601-238-3303.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 (no pass) PG13

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dare to Liveâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 20, 9 a.m., at Cups, Fondren (2757 Old Canton Road). Ve May signs copies of her book. $17.99 book; e-mail amy223@att.net. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dinner at the Mansionâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 20, 2 p.m., at Borders (100 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood). Former Mississippi First Lady Elise Winter signs copies of her book. $29.95 book; call 601-919-0462.

EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS Art Reception Nov. 18, 5 p.m., at Southern Breeze Gallery (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Works of art for $100 or less; contributing artists include Amy Giust, Mary Buckley, Becky Barnett, Charlie Bulser, Susan Ingram, MM Davis, Catron Williams, Virginia Shirley, Lee Gibson and Jackie Ellens. Call 601-607-4147.

Pearl River Glass Studio Show Nov. 18-21, at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Road). The exhibit is a group show of decorative glasswork by Pearl River Glass Studio and individual studio members. Studio artists from Wolfe Studios will also have new work on display. Tree ornament workshops and a lecture by Andrew Cary Young included. Visit jfpevents. com for a schedule. Free admission, $25 workshop; call 601-353-2497.

The Next Three Days (no pass) PG13

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Secretariat

PG13 PG

Life As We Know It PG13 The Social Network

Unstoppable PG13

OPENING WED., NOVEMBER 24

Skyline

PG13

Megamind 3-D PG PG

Due Date For Colored Girls

Bankston

Red

Morning Glory PG13

Megamind (non 3-D)

by Jim

R

Saw 3-D

R R

PG13

Tangled 3D

PG

Burlesque

PG

Faster

R

Love & Other Drugs

R

(No Passes)

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

398 Highway 51, Ridgeland | 601-853-3299 www.villagebeads.com

Movieline: 355-9311

Artist Reception Nov. 18, 5 p.m., at Per Design Studio (633 Duling Ave.). Jeanette Jarmon will sell and sign prints. Free; call 601-906-3458.

Collaborative Performance Nov. 19, 7 p.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). In the Galloway Halls of Residence. The event celebrates the life of the soon-to-be-demolished dormitory, erected in 1966. The UK/Ireland digital arts group MART and Millsaps sculpture and digital arts students will participate. Come for food and live, interactive art.

Free; visit martgroup.org.

Open House Nov. 20-21, at P.R. Henson Studio (1115 Lynwood Drive). See block prints and watercolors by Patti Henson. Hours are noon-7 p.m.

Nov. 20 and noon-6 p.m. Nov. 21. Free admission; call 769-798-5539 or 601-982-4067.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings.

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

BE THE CHANGE Live Art Auction Nov. 18, 5 p.m., at Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Art (630 Fondren Place). Consignment art from Marie Hull, Walter Anderson, Karl and Mildred Wolfe, Emmitt Thames, Jackie Meena, Lucy Mazzaferro, Lynn Green Root and others. Refreshments and music included.

Proceeds benefit a local charity. Free; call 601982-4844.

12Ks of Christmas Charity Run Nov. 20, 7 a.m., at Woodland Hills Baptist Church (3327 Old Canton Road). Participate in the 12K run, 5K walk or kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; one-mile fun run through the streets of Fondren. Registrants can also participate in the Christmas costume contest. Proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Center. $35, free fun run; call 601-355-6276.

jacksonfreepress.com

Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Call 601-354-6573.

33

livemusic Nov. 17 - WedNesday

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

LADIES NIGHT

F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Singer/ Songwriter Night (Lazy Jane, Kellie Jones, Chris Eubanks, & Bryan Ledford) 7 p.m. free; The Hot Seats (Red Room) Shucker’s - DoubleShotz 7:3011:30 p.m. free Underground 119 - Eddie Cotton $20 Philip’s on the Rez - DJ Mike/ Karaoke Regency Hotel - Snazz 8:30 p.m. facebook.com/snazzband2 Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar”Smith 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke w/ Mike Mott Parker House - Sherman Lee Dillon

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

Nov. 18 - Thursday

Weekly Lunch Specials

aLL sHows 10pm unLess noted WEDNESDAY

11/17

ladies night

with SEth LiBBEY

LADiES PAY $5, DRiNK FREE FRIDAY

11/19

Good EnouGh For Good TimEs

members of Galactic SATURDAY

11/20

Mia Borders

Open for dinner Sat. 4-10pm thursday

NOVEMBER 18

LADIES DRINK FREE

friday

NOVEMBER 19

SUN HOTEL

w/ Captain and Company saturday

NOVEMBER 20

ILLUSIONS (DJ/Dance Night)

tuesday SUNDAY

11/21

KaraoKe MONDAY

11/22

OPEN MIC JAM TUESDAY

11/23

MATT’S LATE NIGHT KARAOKE

$2 MARGARITAS $1 HIGHLIFE & PBR

November 17 - 23, 2010

WEDNESDAY

34

NOVEMBER 23

OPEN MIC with Cody Cox

*DOLLAR BEER* wednesday

NOVEMBER 24

KARAOKE w/ KJ STACHE FREE WiFi

11/24

ladies night

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

Open Mon-Sat, Kitchen open Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm & Sat 4-10 pm

F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free, Amazin Lazy Boi Band (blues) Hal & Mal’s - Cucho Gonzales’ Birthday Latin Jam (Red Room), Jason Turner (rest.)

930 Blues Cafe - Norman Clark & Smoke Stack Lightning 8 p.m. $5 Dreamz - Akami & the Key of G 9:30 p.m. $5 Underground 119 - Barry Leach Regency Hotel - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Olga’s - Hunter Gibson AJ’s Grille, Madison - Larry Brewer 6:30 p.m.

McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Parker House - Scott Albert Johnson Philip’s on the Rez - Bubba Wingfield Burgers and Blues - Cut-N-Run 5:30-11:30 p.m.

Colonial Country Club - New Bourbon Street Jazz Society 3-6 p.m. free Butterfly Yoga - Kirtan w/ Girish 7 p.m. $15 advance, $20 at the door Ford Academic Complex Recital Hall, Millsaps College - “Music for a New Age” feat. pianists Michael Dulin and Joseph Akins 7:30 p.m. $15, $5 students The Shoe Bar at Pieces - 2nd Line Jazz Parade feat. Howard Jones 6-7 p.m.

Nov. 19 - Friday Hal & Mal’s - Wild Emotions, Tim Lee Three (Red Room), Vernon Brothers (rest.), Barr Briggs CD release party

11/18 11/19 11/19 11/21 11/22 11/24

This page is dedicated to the memory of music listings editor Herman Snell who passed away Sept. 19, 2010.

F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free, Sherman Lee Dillon’s MS Sound (blues) $5 till midnight, $10 after C Notes Studio - Grand Opening Celebration: Chad Wesley 8:30 p.m.

Blind Pig Saloon, 206 West Capitol St., Melvin “Housecat” Hendrix Roberts-Walthall Hotel - Classy Classic Affair 10 p.m.

Wired Espresso Cafe - David Hawkins noon Queen of Hearts - Kenny Hollywood $5 Shuckers - The Rainmakers Burgers and Blues - Common Ground Blues Band 7-11 p.m.

Underground 119 - Amalgamation 9 p.m.

Martin’s - Good Enough For Good Times (members of Galactic) 10 p.m. facebook.com/ goodenoughforgoodtimes Poet’s II - Jarekus Singleton Band Fire - Splendid Chaos 9 p.m. myspace.com/splendidchaos Reed Pierce’s - Trademark 9 p.m. free Phillip’s on the Rez - Shades of Green Irish Frog - Reed Smith 6-10 p.m Kathryn’s - Gena Stringer & David Steele 7 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - 51 South Dreamz Jxn - Classic Pre-Game Mixer 9 p.m. $10

Nov. 20 - saTurday Ole Tavern - 8 Adam Mangum, R , DJ Roberts, DJ Libra, Illusion, Redbone Poet’s II - Richard Lee Davis Band (classic rock) Underground 119 - King Edward F. Jones Corner -Sherman Lee Dillon’s MS Sound (blues) $5 till midnight, $10 after Martin’s - Mia Borders 10 p.m. miaborders.com Suite 106 - Meet and Greet feat.

D. Scott Jazz Quartet and Tony “Tiger” Rogers 9 p.m.

Hal and Mal’s - Elvis and the Legends (Elvis Impersonators Show) Shuckers - The Rainmakers Fitzgerald’s - Chris Gill 8-12 a.m.

Huntington’s - Ralph Miller 6-9 p.m.

Reed Pierce’s - Trademark 9 p.m. free Burgers and Blues - James Earle and Ethan 7-11 p.m.

Phillip’s on the Rez - DJ Mike/ Karaoke Pop’s Saloon - 51 South

C Notes - Revolving Door 4:30 p.m, Jamhaus 8:30 p.m.

Dreamz Jxn - Classic Party 2010 9 p.m. $10, first 50 ladies free

Nov. 21 - suNday King Edward Hotel - Howard Jones Jazz (brunch) 11-2 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Andy Hardwick (brunch) 11-2 p.m.

Sophia’s, Fairview Inn - Knight Bruce 11 a.m. (brunch) Burgers and Blues - PFC 5:309:30 p.m.

Duling Hall - ACLU-MS Jazz Brunch 11 a.m. aclu-ms.org Dreamz Jxn - Mississippi United: Concert for a Cause (Stewpot canned food drive/hip hop) 7 p.m. $10, free drink with food donation

Nov. 22 - MoNday Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Central Miss. Blues Society Jam 8-11 p.m. $5 F. Jones Corner - Stevie J (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.

Nov. 23 - Tuesday F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues lunch) free Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Pub Quiz 8 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Hunter and Rick Martin’s - Karaoke 10 p.m. free Shucker’s - The Xtremez 7:3011:30 p.m. free Time Out - Open Mic 8 p.m.

McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar”Smith 6:309:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 - WedNesday F. Jones Corner - Anna Kline (blues lunch) free Underground 119 - Eddie Cotton $20 Shucker’s - DoubleShotz 7:3011:30 p.m. free Regency Hotel - Snazz 8:30 p.m. facebook.com/snazzband2 Philip’s on the Rez - DJ Mike/ Karaoke Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar”Smith 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke w/ Mike Mott Hal and Mal’s - Jon Clark (rest.), The Quills Present: A Night of Tom Petty (Red Room)

George Jones - Heymann Performing Arts Center, Lafayette, La. Terry Fator - Beau Rivage, Biloxi Cowboy Troy and Buckwheat Zydeco - Shreveport Municipal Auditorium Stars - Republic, New Orleans Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas - CenturyTel Center, Bossier City, La. Underoath, The Word Alive, Close Your Eyes - House of Blues, New Orleans

88 Keys 3645 Hwy. 80 W in Metrocenter, Jackson, 601-352-7342 930 Blues Cafe 930 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-948-3344 Alamo Theatre 333 N. Farish St, Jackson, 601-352-3365 Alley Cats 165 W. Peace St., Canton, 601855-2225 Alumni House Sports Grill 574 Hwy. 50, Ridgeland, 601-855-2225 America Legion Post 1 3900 W. Northside Dr., Jackson, 601-605-9903 Ameristar Casino, Bottleneck Blues Bar 4146 Washington St., Vicksburg, 800700-7770 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, 601919-2829 Char Restaurant 4500 I-55, Highland Village, Jackson, 601-956-9562 Cherokee Inn 1410 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-362-6388 Club 43 Hwy 43, Canton, 601-654-3419, 601-859-0512 Club City Lights 200 N. Mill St., Jackson, 601-353-0059 Club O’Hara 364 Monticello St., Hazlehurst, 601-894-5674 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 (neo-soul/hiphop) Cups in Fondren 2757 Old Canton Road, Jackson, 601-362-7422 (acoustic/pop) Cups in the Quarter 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-981-9088 Davidson’s Corner Market 108 W. Center St., Canton, 601-855-2268 (pop/rock) Debo’s 180 Raymond Road, Jackson, 601346-8283 Diamond Jack’s Casino 3990 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 1-877-711-0677 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 Jxn 426 West Capitol Street, Jackson, 601-979-3994 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, 601-5921000 (rock/dance/dj) Final Destination 5428 Robinson Rd. Ext., Jackson, (pop/rock/blues) Fitzgerald’s Martini Bar 1001 E. County Line Road, Jackson, 601-957-2800 Flood’s Bar and Grill 2460 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-713-4094 Footloose Bar and Grill 4661 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9944

Have an upcoming performance? Send your music listings to Natalie Long at music@jacksonfreepress.com.

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, 601362-3108 Jackson Convention Complex 105 E. Pascagoula St.. Jackson, 601-960-2321 James Meredith Lounge 217 Griffith St. 601-969-3222 Julep Restaurant and Bar 105 Highland Village, Jackson, 601-362-1411 Kathryn’s Steaks and Seafood 6800 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland. 601-956-2803 King Edward Hotel 235 W. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-353-5464 Koinonia Coffee House 136 S. Adams St., Suite C, Jackson, 601-960-3008 Kristos 971 Madison Ave., Madison, 601605-2266 LaRae’s 210 Parcel Dr., Jackson, 601-944-0660 Last Call Sports Grill 1428 Old Square Road, Jackson, 601-713-2700 The Library Bar & Grill 120 S. 11th St., Oxford, 662-234-1411 The Loft 1306 A. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-629-6188 The Lyric Oxford 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford. 662-234-5333 Main Event Sports Bar & Grill 4659 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9987 Manda’s Pub 614 Clay Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6607 Martin’s Lounge 214 S. State St., Jackson, 601-354-9712 (rock/jam/blues) McB’s Restaurant 815 Lake Harbor Dr., Ridgeland, 601-956-8362 (pop/rock) Mellow Mushroom 275 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-7499 Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music 103 Magnolia, Edwards, 601-977-7736 Mississippi Coliseum 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson, 601-353-0603 Mississippi Opera P.O. Box 1551, Jackson, 877-MSOPERA, 601-960-2300 Mississippi Opry 2420 Old Brandon Rd., Brandon, 601-331-6672 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra 201 East Pascagoula St., Jackson, 800898-5050 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium 2531 N. State St., Jackson, 601-354-6021 Monte’s Steak and Seafood 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-8182 Mugshots 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-713-0383 North Midtown Arts Center 121 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-497-7454 Okasions 1766 Ellis Avenue, Jackson, 601373-4037

Old Venice Pizza Co. 1428 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-366-6872 Ole Tavern on George Street 416 George St., Jackson, 601-960-2700 Olga’s 4760 I-55 North, Jackson, 601-366-1366 (piano) One Blu Wall 2906 N State St., Jackson, 601-713-1224 The Parker House 104 S.E. Madison Drive, (Olde Towne) Ridgeland, 601-856-0043 Peaches Restaurant 327 N. Farish St., Jackson, 601-354-9267 Pelican Cove 3999A Harborwalk Dr., Ridgeland, 601-605-1865 Pig Ear Saloon 160 Weisenberger Rd., Gluckstadt, 601-898-8090 Pig Willies 1416 Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-634-6872 Poet’s II 1855 Lakeland Dr., 601- 364-9411 Pool Hall 3716 I-55 North Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-713-2708 Pop’s Saloon 2636 Gallatin St., Jackson, 601-961-4747 (country) Proud Larry’s 211 S. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, 662-236-0050 The Pub Hwy. 51, Ridgeland, 601-898-2225 The Quarter Bistro & Piano Bar 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-4900 Que Sera Sera 2801 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-2520 Queen of Hearts 2243 Martin Luther King Dr., Jackson, 601-454-9401 Red Room 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson (Hal & Mal’s), 601-948-0888 (rock/alt.)

Reed Pierce’s 6791 Siwell Rd., Byram, 601376-0777, 601-376-4677 Regency Hotel Restaurant & Bar 420 Greymont Ave., Jackson, 601-969-2141 Rick’s Cafe 318 Hwy 82 East, #B, Starkville, 662-324-7425 RJ Barrel 111 N. Union 601-667-3518 Roberts Walthall Hotel 225 E. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-948-6161 Sal and Mookie’s 565 Taylor St. 601368-1919 Sam’s Lounge 5035 I-55 N. Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-983-2526 Sam’s Town Casino 1477 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, 800-456-0711 Scrooge’s 5829 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-206-1211 Shuckers on the Reservoir 116 Conestoga Rd., Ridgeland, 601-853-0105 Silver Star Casino Hwy. 16 West, Choctaw, 800-557-0711 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 Tomara’s 9347 Hwy 18 West, Jackson, 601502-8588 (pop/rock) 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, 662236-6639 Under the Boardwalk 2560 Terry Rd., Jackson, 601-371-7332 Underground 119 119 S. President St. 601-352-2322 VFW Post 9832 4610 Sunray Drive, Jackson, 601-982-9925 Vicksburg Convention Center 1600 Mulberry Street, Vicksburg, 866-822-6338 Walker’s Drive-In 3016 N. State St., Jackson, 601-982-2633 (jazz/pop/folk) Wired Expresso Cafe 115 N. State St. 601500-7800

4(523$!9 .)'(4

7ING .IGHT WITH CENT WINGS AND "EER FROM PM PM We have NFL Sunday Ticket & ESPN Gameplan to show all games!

H APPY HOUR

Monday - Saturday, 2-7pm 2-for-1 All Mixed Drinks, $1 Off Draft & Wine and 59 Cent Wings

NOW FEATURING EDDIE COTTON ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS! (Blues) 8-11, $20 Cover

Thursday, November 18th

BARRY LEACH

(Jazz) 8-11, No Cover Friday, November 19th

AMALGAMATION

(Jazz) 9-1 $10 Cover

12 BEERS ON TAP

Kitchen Open ‘til 2 AM 1428 Old Square Road in Jackson 601.713.2700 lastcallsportsgrill.com

THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 18 LADIES NIGHT Ladies Drink Free 9pm-11pm

Saturday, November 20th

KING EDWARD

FRI & SAT - NOVEMBER 19 & 20

51 SOUTH

(Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover Thursday, November 25th

CLOSED Friday, November 26th

FEARLESS FOUR

(Funk) 9-1 $10 Cover Saturday, November 20th

SCOTT ALBERT JOHNSON (Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover

119 S. President Street 601.352.2322 www.Underground119.com

SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 21 8 BALL TOURNAMENT MONDAY - NOVEMBER 22 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Free Hot Wings, $3 Pitchers during game

TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 23 POOL LEAGUE NIGHT

WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 24 MIKE MOTT KARAOKE 2636 S. Gallatin Jackson, MS 39204

601-961-4747

www.myspace.com/popsaroundthecorner

jacksonfreepress.com

venuelist

35

DIVERSIONS|sports

Team Loyalty Contests and Sports Trivia!

All games for the NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Game Plan and NFL Channel showing here!

20+ TVs and a Projector Screen!

Daily Lunch Specials - $9

Happy Hour Everyday 4-7 LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR

Sunday - Thursday 10pm - 12am

2-FOR-1, YOU CALL IT!

601.978.1839

6270 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39211

BEST SPOT AROUND FOR FOOTBALL! WE HAVE 20 FLATSCREENS!

NFL SUNDAY TICKET - NCAA SUPER SATURDAY - ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY PRIZES & FREE SCHWAG FOR PATRONS

WED. NOV 17 LADIES NIGHT & KARAOKE

THURS. NOV 18

NCAA FOOTBALL

BEER BUCKET SPECIAL

FRI. NOV 19

CALVIN WEBSTER 9:30PM - 1:30AM NO COVER CHARGE

SAT. NOV 20

NCAA FOOTBALL

BEER BUCKET SPECIAL

MON. NOV 22

BEER

& DRINK

SPECIALS

DURING FOOTBALL GAMES!

IN-DA-BIZ

2-FOR-1 SPECIAL

TUES. NOV 23

JACKPOT TRIVIA

November 17 - 23, 2010

$2 DOMESTICS

36

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MIKE LOFTIN

En Garde!

by Bryan Flynn

A

s a young boy, my parents introduced me to classic films featuring Errol Flynn (“Captain Blood”) and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (“The Corsican Brothers”). I mainly remember the swashbucklers’ fencing duels.

When I saw “The Princess Bride” as a teenager, I thought the sword-fighting scenes were the best things about it. Who could forget Mandy Patinkin’s character, Inigo Montoya, saying: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya.

You killed my father. Prepare to die,” before an epic sword battle with the movie’s villain?

Then there’s the duel between Westley (Cary Elwes) and Montoya: timeless.

I thought that’s what fencing was, but all that changed after a visit to the Central Mississippi Fencing Club in Clinton.

Richard Jones founded the school in 2002. Jones is a certified instructor for the United States Fencing Association and has been fencing competitively for more than 12 years. He fences both left and right handed and trains fencers in all three types of weapons used in the Olympic games.

Jones began a lesson for my wife, Lacey, Mike Loftin and me by explaining the salute.

Before and after each lesson, fencers salute their teachers; in competition, they salute each other, the judges and the spectators.

To salute, a fencer starts with the sword pointed toward the floor across the front of the legs. He or she then brings the sword up vertically in front of the face. The final move brings the sword across the body to the other side away from the legs.

Fencing is won and lost with the feet, I learned, and I have two left feet, so my swordplay might never be great. My hands also have a life of their own with a sword in them. I felt like the most inept fencer, ever, but Jones said that with time and practice even I could become a decent fencer.

“Fencing matches at the highest level are won and lost determined by which fencer keeps their balance and hands correct,” Jones repeatedly explained.

The original meaning of fencing comes from the Latin defensum, “the act of defending.” Lighter fencing weapons began to increase in popularity with the invention of firearms, which made heavy medieval armor obsolete along with the huge broadswords of the time. Smaller swords such as rapiers, a thrusting sword and sabres, a slashing sword, came into favor with the upper classes who used them most commonly in duels.

With young European hotheads engaging in fencing duels, training became paramount, and schools popped up in Spain, Italy, France, and England in the mid 15th and early 16th century.

Many looked down on dueling to the death—more noblemen died from duels than in battles in the early 16th century—and dueling to first blood became the norm. This eventually led to a technique called the “first touch with right of way.” This development, which gave the fencer making the “first touch” the

Fencing student William Johnson (left) spars with his instructor Richard Jones of Central Mississippi Fencing.

winner of the bout or point, with the loser giving the “right of way,” resulted in dueling and sporting victories without disabling or killing one’s opponent.

Over time, fencing began to fade from popularity, until the modern Olympic games revived interest. “The original founders of the games were fencers,” Jones says. Fencing is one of only four sports to be included in every summer Olympic Games since 1896; the other three are athletics (now known as track and field), swimming and gymnastics.

Jones taught us several terms in fencing such as “parry,” a defensive action after an attack, and “riposte,” which is an offensive counter-attack to the parry. He also showed us the types of weapons used in Olympic fencing.

The “foil” is a light thrusting weapon. In competition with a foil, a fencer’s targets are restricted to the torso, the chest, shoulders and back. Double touches are not allowed. This weapon follows the rules of “right of way,” or priority, to determine which fencer’s hit will prevail when both fencers hit.

The “épée” is a heavy thrusting weapon.

The épée’s target area covers the entire body, and double touches are allowed. There is no “right of way” in épée fencing.

The “sabre” is a light cutting and thrusting weapon. Using a sabre, the fencer’s target area begins at the waistline, and up, including the head but not the hands. Sabre bouts follow the rules of “right of way.” The sabre is also used for training because of its light weight.

Fencing bouts are contested on a narrow, raised platform known as a “piste,” which is 15 meters long and 2 meters wide.

After the lesson, we joined Jones and coach David Williams to meet and learn from several wheelchair fencers. Williams has 35 years of fencing experience and, like Jones, coaches the Blade Rollers wheelchair fencing team. In November, two of the Blade Rollers traveled with the U.S. wheelchair fencing team to Paris for the 2010 World Championships.

All told, the U.S. wheelchair fencing team has 10 members, with four from Mississippi: Sonia Fogal, nominated as the female Athlete of the Year in fencing for the 2009 AT&T State Games of Mississippi; Joey Brinson, an accomplished wheelchair fencer; Ryan Estep; and Rebekka Sides. Brinson finished 21st in Men’s Sabre and 25th in Men’s épée, and Estep finished 24th in Men’s Foil and 23rd in a épée.

To learn fencing, call Richard Jones at 601942-7307, or visit clintonfencing.com.

Doctor S sez: Which will happen first?

Houston Nutt goes crazy, or Dan Mullen gets another job?

THURSDAY, NOV. 18 College football, UCLA at Washington (7 p.m., ESPN): These Pac-10 teams had high hopes entering this season. FRIDAY, NOV. 19 High school football, Class 6A playoffs, Madison Central at Northwest Rankin (7 p.m., Brandon, 105.9 FM): The region rivals meet in a rematch that really matters. … Class 5A playoffs, New Hope at Ridgeland (7 p.m., 97.3 FM): Elsewhere in Madison County, the undefeated Titans try to take move toward first state title.

SATURDAY, NOV. 20 College football, Alcorn State at Jackson State (1 p.m., 90.1 FM, 95.5 FM): The Braves and Tigers aren’t playing for anything except a year’s worth of bragging rights. That’s plenty. … Ole Miss at LSU (2:30 p.m., Baton Rouge, La., Ch. 12, 97.3 FM): Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Rebels, it got worse. Fortunately for Ole Miss, LSU’s coach is a moron, so the Black Bears have a shot. … Arkansas at Mississippi State (6 p.m., Starkville, ESPN, 105.9 FM): Can the Bulldogs slow down the Hogs and score enough points to win? Uh, maybe.

SUNDAY, NOV. 21 NFL football, Seattle at New Orleans (3:15 p.m., Ch. 40, 620 AM): The Doctor got so excited about this game that he put it in last week’s print edition of The Slate. Call it premature publication. … New York Giants at Philadelphia (7:20 p.m., Ch. 3, 930 AM): Eli and the Giants face the foulest fowl of all, the Eagles, in an NFC East showdown.

MONDAY, NOV. 22 NFL football, Denver at San Diego (7:30 p.m., ESPN, 930 AM): This AFC West rivalry isn’t what it used to be, but both of these teams are so bad that it might turn out to be an entertaining game.

TUESDAY, NOV. 23 College basketball, Dallas at Millsaps (women, 5 p.m.; men, 7 p.m.): The Majors play a hoops doubleheader at The Hangar. Purple haze, y’all.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24 NBA basketball, Miami at Orlando (6:30 p.m., ESPN): The Heat and Magic battle in a matchup of singular nicknames for Florida supremacy. It’s sort of tough to hype these early season Association games.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who is sad he won’t have JSU football to kick around until 2011. Check out JFP Sports at www.jacksonfreepress.com, anyway.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Your old self is the fuel you will use to burn your old self to the ground. This bonfire will liberate your new self, which has been trapped in a gnarly snarl deep inside your old self. It’s only at first that you’ll feel freaked out by the flames.

Very quickly a sense of relief and release will predominate. Then, as the new you makes its way to freedom, escaping its cramped quarters and flexing its vital force, you will be blessed with a foreshadowing of your future. The intoxication that follows will bring you clarity and peace of mind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“Do we love Heaven more than God?” asks poet Paula Cisewski in her book “Ghost Fargo.” I think that’s the kind of cryptic question you Capricorns would benefit from mulling over in the coming weeks. Your mind needs to get its customary categories shaken up and rearranged … needs its habitual grooves broken up and diverted … needs its easy certainties flushed and abandoned. Can you think of any other queries that will help you accomplish this noble work? Let me offer a few to get you started: 1) Do we love love itself more than we love the people we say we love? 2) Do we fear failure so much that we interfere with our cultivation of success?

3) Do we obsess on our longing to such a degree that we miss opportunities to satisfy our longing?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The Sanskrit word buddhi refers to the part of us that adores the truth. It’s good at distinguishing between what’s real and what’s false, and is passionately attracted to liberation. Although it may go into long periods of dormancy in some of us, buddhi never falls asleep completely. It’s always ready to jump into action if we call on it. According to my reading of the astrological omens, Aquarius, the buddhi aspect of your psyche will be extra special, big, strong and bright in the coming week. In my opinion, that’s better than winning the lottery.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

I like how snowboarder Graham Watanabe described his experiences at last February’s Winter Olympics. He

wasn’t content with making a generic comment like “It was awesome!” or “No words could describe how great it was!” Instead he got florid and specific: “Try to imagine Pegasus mating with a unicorn and the creature that they birth. I somehow tame it and ride it into the sky in the clouds and sunshine and rainbows. That’s what it feels like.” As you break through your previous limits in the coming weeks, Pisces, I’d love to hear you summon some bursts of articulate jubilation akin to Watanbe’s.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

“You don’t want to be the best of the best,” Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia said. “You just want to be the only one who does what you do.” That’s always good advice, but it will be especially apt for you during the next few weeks. You’re entering a phase when competing with other people will get you nowhere fast. What will get you somewhere fast is nurturing your unique talents and proclivities. Do you know exactly what they are? If you’re even a little fuzzy, make it your quest to get clear.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

What is the “soul,” anyway? Is it a ghostly blob of magic stuff within us that keeps us connected to the world of dreams and the divine realms? Is it an amorphous metaphor for the secret source of our spiritual power? Is it a myth that people entertain because they desperately want to believe there’s more to them than just their physical bodies? Here’s what I think: The soul is a perspective that pushes us to go deeper and see further and live wilder. It’s what drives our imagination to flesh

BY MATT JONES 57 Company behind Hello Kitty 58 Show about how difficult it is to work with actress Blanchett?

61 Like some short plays 62 Cards money 63 Golf peg 64 Proud black woman, per Urban Dictionary 65 Family jewels, alternatively 66 Moose’s cousin

out our raw experience, transforming that chaotic stuff into rich storylines that animate our love of life. With the gently propulsive force of the soul, we probe beyond the surface level of things, working to find the hidden meaning and truer feeling. I’m bringing this up, Taurus, because it is Celebrate the Soul Week for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

“Nothing changes until it’s changed in everyone’s memories,” poet Alice Notley said. I urge you to keep that in mind as you move forward, Gemini. In recent weeks, you have helped untie a knot that once seemed impossibly tangled, and you deserve kudos for that. But your job isn’t done, yet. Your next task is to work on loosening the snarls and smoothing the kinks that still linger in the imaginations of everyone involved.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

In the 1925 silent film “The Gold Rush,” Charlie Chaplin plays a prospector during the Alaska Gold Rush. After a series of adventures, he finds himself stuck in a remote cabin on Thanksgiving Day with a ruffian named Big Jim. They’re out of food, so Charlie gets resourceful, boiling his right shoe in a big pot and serving it up steaming hot.

What the audience doesn’t know is that the movie prop is made of sweet licorice, not leather. So while it may seem that dinner is a hardship, the actors actually had no trouble polishing off their meal. I see a similar scenario in your near future, Cancerian: something like eating a “shoe” that’s made of candy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Lots of toddlers in Indonesia smoke cigarettes, not just the chain-smoking two-year-old in the famous Youtube video (tinyurl.com/SmokerKid). But don’t you dare let your inner child get started on a similar habit any time soon, Leo. Make sure that sweet young thing is exposed to only the best influences; feed him or her only the healthiest food, air, water, sounds, sights, images and stories. The innocent, curious, wide-eyed part of you is entering a phase when rapid growth is going to happen, one way or another. It’s your job to guarantee that the

growth goes in the right direction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

“We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly,” Anais Nin wrote. “We are mature in one realm, childish in another.” In you, Virgo, the discrepancies have been especially apparent lately. For example, your brainy insightfulness has been on a hot streak, while your gut wisdom has not. But I suspect this situation to shift in the coming weeks. My reading of the astrological omens suggests that your emotional intelligence is set to thrive. It will be fine if you concentrate on that phenomenon with all your heart, even if it means investing a little less energy in being an analytical whiz.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In the old Looney Tunes cartoons, Wile E. Coyote is constantly chasing after the Road Runner, a long-legged bird that prefers running to flying. Presumably, Coyote would eat the Road Runner if he ever caught him, but he never does; the bird’s too fast and smart. In one recurring motif, the Road Runner dashes into the entrance of a cave that’s cut into a wall of sheer rock. When Coyote tries to follow him, he smashes into the rock, and it’s revealed that the cave entrance is just a very realistic painting. I suspect that you’re going to have the Road Runner’s power in the coming week: an ability to find and use doors that are inaccessible to other people.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

I recently discovered a blues-gospel artist named Famous L. Renfro, who is also known as “The Flying Sweet Angel of Joy.” His soaring, gritty music had a medicinal effect.

It seemed to say to me, “You have the power to change your life in the exact way you want to change your life.”

Your assignment, Scorpio, is to find a new source of music or art or literature or film that has a similar effect on you: a flying sweet angel of joy that inspires you to do what has been hard for you to do. According to my reading of the astrological omens, such an influence is within your reach right now.

Which actor or actress would be the best choice to play you in a film about your life? Go to Realastrology.com and click “E-mail Rob.” botany 45 Year of ___ (Chinese calendar period) 48 “You Don’t Mess With the ___” (Adam Sandler movie) 50 General ___ chicken 51 Rajah’s wife 52 Individuals, in France 53 Actress Suvari 55 Robinson of the NBA 56 Company in old TV ads for compilation albums

59 Inc., overseas 60 “A mouse!” ©2010 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

Last Week’s Answers

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 #0487.

Down

Across

25 “The Wire” actress Pearson 29 He killed Hamlet 1 Chinese-born actress ___ Ling 33 Show about farming for beer 4 Pub projectile ingredients?

8 Rough files 35 Words for the deaf: abbr.

13 “Ew, I’m not touchin’ that!”

36 Writer Sarah ___ Jewett 14 Playing in someone else’s stadium 37 Cartoon chihuahua 15 Punk rocker with the backup band 38 “Do ___ others...”

The Pharmacists 39 Geezerish 16 Show with mystery numbers like 40 Show that’s only a tiny bit U.S.“Lost,” only they’re all divisible by 2? centric?

18 Ice cream shop freebies 44 Oil used in shampoos 19 Tony Danza sitcom 46 Body for buzzards 20 Reality show with a surgeon 47 Maker of “2 in 1” pet products operating blindfolded?

49 Underwhelmed grunt 22 Where Larry King will be replaced 50 Show about what really goes on

by Piers Morgan in a flower bed?

24 Like the Vikings 54 “Old MacDonald” noise

BY MATT JONES

Last Week’s Answers

“Kakuro”

Fill in each square in this grid with a digit from 1 to 9. The sum of the digits in each row or column will be the little number given just to the left of or just above that row or column. As with a Sudoku, you can’t repeat any digits in a row or column. See the row of three squares in the upper-right with a 7 to the left of it? That means the sum of the digits in those three squares will be 7, and they won’t repeat any digits. A row or column ends at a black square, so the three-square row in the upper-middle with a 10 to the left of it may or may not have digits in common with the 7-row to its right; they’re considered different rows because there’s a black square between them. Down columns work the same way. Now solve!! psychosudoku@hotmail.com

jacksonfreepress.com

“Surprise Endings”--TV like you’ve never seen.

1 Attacked like a mosquito 2 Eight, in Essen 3 Store from Sweden 4 Name in a Dan Brown title 5 Feeling of amazement 6 Son of Ron Paul 7 Tattooed boxer Mike 8 States of rest 9 Huge fan 10 Sluggish 11 Phnom ___, Cambodia 12 Cubs great Sammy 15 Women’s shoe feature 17 Kind of tax 21 Cleansing procedure 23 Diarist Anais 25 “Surgeon General Mills Recommends Three to Five Servings of ___ Per Day” (“The Onion” headline) 26 Country rocker Steve 27 Blair of “The Exorcist” 28 Comply with 30 Raunch thrown into comedies for an R rating, slangily 31 You are, in the Yucatan 32 Messy people 34 ___ majesty 38 Way out of style 40 Coffee alternative to robusta 41 Wine bluntly turned down in “Sideways” 42 Suffix for web 43 Where shoots grow from, in

37

dining

by Tom Ramsey

Don’t Panic, It’s Just a Big Bird brown sugar, one cup of molasses and two cups of apple cider vinegar.

Bring this mixture to a simmer, and stir until all of the solids are completely dissolved. Add to this one-and-a-half gallons of ice water and stir. Add to the cold liquid several sprigs of fresh rosemary, a handful of fresh sage, one pod of garlic (sliced sideways through the center) one cut-up lemon and

the seasonings are fully incorporated with the butter. Put the compound putter in a pastry bag (or a gallon zip bag if you don’t have a pastry bag), and let sit at room temperature until you are ready to cook the turkey.

The turkey will take 16 minutes per pound to cook and will need to rest for at least five minutes per pound, so make sure you leave plenty of time before guest will be

one cut-up orange. Pour this mixture into the bucket with the turkey, cover it with foil and let it sit in the fridge until Thursday.

Thursday morning, put two sticks of butter in a mixing bowl and add a tablespoon of salt, a teaspoon of pepper and a tablespoon of garlic powder. When the butter is soft enough, make a compound butter by mixing all of the ingredients with a whisk until

starving and ready to revolt by ordering pizza. This means that a 15 lb. turkey will take almost five hours to cook and an hour and fifteen minutes to rest. That is six hours and fifteen minutes from start to finish. So if you are having lunch, start early.

Take the turkey out of the brining liquid and pat it completely dry. Rub the inside of the cavity with salt and pepper. Insert two

Vegetarians Cry Fowl at Thanksgiving

November 17 - 23, 2010

S

38

o many events in our lives revolve around food. Thanksgiving turkey, mincemeat pies at Christmas, Easter ham—all these are lauded traditions.

So what’s a vegetarian to do amidst all that carnivorous delight?

All too often, they are seen picking amidst the lovely, colorful and aromatic dishes, only to find that they contain bacon, chicken broth or any number of other animal products. At the end of the buffet, they reach look down on their plates to find they’ve only come away with a scoop of mashed potatoes and a roll—and that’s only if they’re not vegans!

So how can you, the carnivore, make a delicious meal that everyone will love, meateater and veggie-lover alike?

Make a nut roast. It is tasty, hearty and full of protein, the vegetarian’s approach to a meatloaf.

I serve mine with vegetarian gravy that’s good enough for me—a sworn omnivore— to choose over other meaty gravies. It’s that good. Seriously. Try it.

fingers between the skin and the meat of the breast, and separate as much as you can without tearing the skin. Stick the nozzle of the pastry bag between the skin and the meat, and squeeze out one half of the bag under each side of the breast skin. If you are using a zipper bag, cut through a corner of the bag, and insert that under the skin and squeeze out the butter. Use your hand to massage the butter under the skin to spread it out as much as you can. Liberally season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper, and rub the skin with olive oil. Truss the legs and wings tightly to the body of the turkey, and place a foil tent over the breast.

Cook in a 325-degree oven until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 165 degrees. For the last hour, you can remove the foil tent to get a little more color on the bird.

Take the turkey out, cover it with foil and let it rest. This is the single most important part of the whole process. If you carve a hot turkey, you will get a huge puddle of juice on your platter or cutting board. All of that juice would have stayed in the turkey if you had just listened to me.

So remember, buy a good turkey, brine it for at least two days, butter the breast, bake it with care, and by God, let it rest.

If you still mess it up, blame it on that “bad thermometer” in your oven, and slather on the gravy.

Tom Ramsey is the founder and co-owner of Ivy and Devine Culinary group. He will be serving this very turkey to Kitty’s ravenous family. For more info on Tom, visit www. tomramsey.com.

STEVE VOGHT

T

ake a deep breath and step away from the turkey. Now exhale slowly, and let’s take stock of the situation. You have been awarded/punished/tested with the job of preparing the holiday bird.

You are unsure of your skills and fear that a dry turkey could prove to your husband/ boyfriend/in-laws/complete strangers that you are a complete failure in all aspects of your life. Your doctorate ... meaningless; Top-ten record ... junk; awesome at Scrabble ... nothing. Mess up the turkey, and you will be sitting at the kid’s table next year making hand-turkeys and cutting them out with round scissors.

This is your fate. Unless you listen to me.

A turkey is just a big bird that needs a few tricks to make it great. All we have to do is buy it, brine it, butter it, bake it, and

by God, let it rest. Everything else is just window dressing or showing off.

Like the ex-drinkers say, “Let’s take this one day at a time.” Buy a fresh turkey if you can. If you’ve been given a frozen turkey, don’t wait until Thanksgiving to start thawing it out, or you’ll have a great turkey for Christmas. Make sure it is completely thawed before starting our first steps.

On Tuesday, clear out enough room in your fridge to fit one of those big orange buckets from the hardware store, making sure the bucket is clean. Pull all of the organs out of the cavity of the turkey, and put the bird in the bucket and the bucket in the fridge. On the stove top, mix one-half gallon water with two cups of salt, one cup of

by Sarah Senff

VEGETARIAN GRAVY 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/3 cup chopped onion 5 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons Marsala cooking wine 2 cups vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon dried sage 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a medium skillet, sauté onion and garlic in one tablespoon oil until soft, about five minutes.

Transfer contents to a medium sauce pan over medium heat, adding butter and remaining oil. When butter is melted, whisk in flour, sage, salt, pepper and mar-

sala to form a smooth paste.

Whisk in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring constantly, for eight to 10 minutes, or until thickened.

To make this recipe vegan, exchange butter with four tablespoons nutritional yeast.

For a complete meal, try serving a nut loaf and gravy with a side of corn and some herbed roasted red potatoes. To make the potatoes, simply rinse and cut into sixths. Drizzle with olive oil, and toss with Herbes de Provence. Salt and pepper to taste, and bake on a cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

NUT LOAF 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 4 cups mushrooms, chopped 2 medium carrots, grated 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 4 cups mixed nuts 2 slices bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrot and mushrooms until onions soften, about 10 minutes. Add cilantro and stir; turn off heat.

Grind nuts, bread, herbs, flax and oats in a food processor until they reach a coarse, mealy texture. If your food processor is small, this can be done in batches and combined in a large bowl after processing.

Add one-and-a-half cups of the sautéed vegetables to the crumb mixture bowl, and then add the remaining skillet contents to the food processor along with

1/4 cup ground flaxseed 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 1 tablespoons soy sauce 1/2 cup vegetable broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary Salt and pepper to taste

the soy sauce and vegetable broth.

Process until smooth.

Combine all ingredients in the large bowl until well mixed.

Scrape into loaf pan and smooth top. Bake 50-60 minutes, turning once. Roast is done when top is dry and the edges are well browned. Allow to settle eight to 10 minutes before slicing.

Serves eight.

For an elegant presentation, try a bundt pan, or create individual servings by using muffin pans.

This recipe can be made vegan or gluten-free simply by choosing your favorite brand of vegan or gluten-free bread.

dining

by Lauren Collins, Jesse Crow, Julia Hulitt and Holly Perkins

Local Guide to a Worry-Free Turkey Day

Bon Ami (Maywood Mart, 1220 E. Northside Drive, Suite 230, 601-982-0405) Catering menu includes seafood gumbo, corn and crab bisque, chicken and artichoke soup, lemon-pineapple or strawberry congealed salad, Grand Marnier ambrosia, herb roasted turkey, apple pecan stuffed pork loin, Aunt Mable’s cornbread dressing, sweet potato crunch, squash soufflé, corn pudding, hot curried fruit, pineapple casserole, spinach Madeleine, old-style green-bean casserole, chunky apple-cranberry sauce, Bon Ami strawberry cake, Mona’s chocolate sheet cake, chocolate chip bread pudding with bourbon sauce, Nannie’s pecan pie and chess pie. Orders must be placed by noon, Nov. 19. Bon Ami cannot accept cancellations after this date. The restaurant will be closed Thanksgiving day.

potatoes, casseroles (green-bean or spinach), potatoes (spinach, mashed or au gratin), macaroni & cheese, blonde gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, cornbread muffins and pies. Order by Nov. 19. Pick-up by 2 p.m. Nov. 24.

Hickory Pit (1491 Canton Mart, 601-9567079) and Haute Pig (1856 Main St., Madison, 601-853-8538) Offer barbecue pork, beef, ribs, chicken, ham and turkey by the pound and party packs. They also offer delicious cakes and pies that can be ordered at any time.

Jammin Beignetz (111 N. Wheatley St., Ridgeland, 601-856-2112) Offering smoked turkey, prime rib, cranberry relish, Creole dressing and sweet-potato praline soufflé. Order by Nov. 21.

Ida’s Restaurant (4501 Raymond Road, 601371-6481) Traditional Thanksgiving items including baked, fried and smoked turkey, baked and smoked chicken, smoked tenderloin, smoked beef brisket, beef tenderloin, honey ham, cornbread dressing, casseroles (sweet-potato, green-bean and broccoli-cheese), macaroni

only) All locations also offer meat trays, dressing, various types of casseroles, like sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, vegetables (collards, turnips, green beans, lima beans and peas) and various baked goods like cakes, pies and rolls.

Check weekly for specials and discounts. Meat orders and cooking require 48-hour advance notice. Order early for all other items.

Parker House (Olde Towne, 104 Southeast Madison Drive, Ridgeland, 601-605-0420 or 601856-0043) Menu includes dips (bacon, smoked Gouda and onion or black-eyed pea salad with housemade tortilla chips), soups (crawfish bisque or Parker House gumbo), salads (Caesar, house, iceberg wedge or spinach, pecan and apple with choice of parmesan peppercorn, Maytag bleu cheese, Creole honey mustard, remoulade, Caesar or balsamic vinaigrette), meats (herb roasted chicken or turkey breast, smoked pork loin or pot roast), sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, roasted garlic mashed or rosemary roasted potatoes, spicy cheese grits, vegetables (turnip greens, creamed corn, black-eyed peas, stewed okra and tomatoes, and green beans),

CHAR Restaurant (Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601-956-9562) Menu includes cornbread stuffing, creamed spinach, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry-almond wild rice and whole pecan pies. You can also purchase regular menu items in bulk; however, no modifications, please. Orders need to be placed 24 hours in advance. The restaurant will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Crazy Cat Bakers (Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 173, 601-362-7448) Desserts only: sweet potato pie, spiced apple cake with caramel glaze, chocolate chip bourbon pie, carrot cake with lemon-infused icing and bread pudding with brandy-butter sauce. Crazy Cat will take orders until they can’t take anymore. Pickup will be the day before Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For Heaven’s Cakes and Catering (4950 Old Canton Road, 601-991-2253) Taking cake and dessert orders including gingerbread cupcakes and nut tarts. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Calling ahead is encouraged.

Foodies (Deville Plaza, 5050 Interstate 55 N., Suite F, 601-978-7999) Thanksgiving fare includes bisque (crab and brie, or shrimp and corn), chicken and andouille gumbo, brownsugar glazed ham, turkey (smoked or fried), smoked beef rib eye, cornbread dressing, sweet

Strawberry Café (107 Depot Drive, Madison, 601-856-3822) Offers appetizers including spinach and artichoke dip, hummus and the Strawberry Picnic which includes baked brie, strawberries, salami, strawberry preserves and crackers.

They also have apple and Vidalia onion, and apple and butternut squash soup. Café sides, entrees and desserts include sweet potato smash, baked apples, green-bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, café relish, pork tenderloin, smothered chicken, beef tenderloin, glazed boneless ham, pork shanks, key-lime and caramel pie, strawberry mascarpone, German chocolate cake and bread pudding. Bread selections include pumpkin, banana, strawberry, blueberry and cinnamon, and Mississippi spice and lemon poppyseed muffins. Order by Nov. 22. Menu is online: www.strawberrycafe madison.com, click on catering menu.

Sugar’s Place Downtown (168 W. Griffith St., 601-352-2364) Roasted and fried turkey, ham, corn bread dressing, green beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, yams, broccoli and cheese casserole, potato salad, giblet gravy, peach cobbler, lemon cake and chocolate cake. Order by Nov. 19.

Broad Street Baking Company & Café (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-3622900) Full menu of meats, specialty bread, sides, salads and even dessert. Items include pork loin, oven roasted honey glazed Smithfield ham, fried turkey breast, breakfast biscuits, brioche, Struan bread, pumpkin cheesecake, bread pudding and honey pecan tart. Orders must be placed by Nov. 20 and picked-up by 2 p.m. Nov. 24.

Campbell’s Bakery (3013 N. State St., 601-3624628) Offering desserts off their regular menu: donuts, pastries, cupcakes, cakes (carrot, chocolate, strawberry, iced tea and Italian crème) and cookies (sugar and peanut butter.) Taking orders until the week of Thanksgiving.

Ro’Chez (204 W. Jackson St., 601-503-8244) Take home menu with all the fixins includes smoked prime ribs or smoked turkeys. Orders

by Nov. 19. Also open Nov. 25 for 3-course brunch, Noon and 2 p.m. seatings. Reservations required.

Taste of the Island Caribbean Takeout (436 E. Capitol St., 601-360-5900) Menu includes jerk chicken, curried chicken, oxtails and jerk ribs.

Orders must be placed 24 hours in advance.

T’Beaux’s (369 W. Northside Drive, 601-3645000) Fried turkey and anything else you need.

Order by Nov. 20.

Mimi’s Family and Friends (3139 North State St., 601-366-6111) Offering pies, including chess pies and lemon pie. Order about a week in advance. & cheese, potatoes (mashed or au gratin), greens (collards, mustard or turnip), giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, cobblers (apple, blackberry or peach), assorted cakes and pie (sweet potato or pecan). Order a week in advance and pick-ups by Noon on Nov. 24.

Julep Restaurant and Bar (Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 105, 601-3621411) Offering a wide variety of meats, dressing, soups, salads, sides, bred, dips, spreads and desserts. Menu includes turkey, herb-crusted tenderloin, strawberry-pecan salad, crawfish and corn bisque, Cajun caramelized carrots, chocolate ganache cake, Bailey’s Irish cream cake, strawberry cake, key-lime pie, derby pie and bananas Foster bread pudding. They also offer items like breakfast casserole, quiche, smoked Gouda grits and banana nut bread for a Thanksgiving brunch. Orders must be made in advance and can be made two days before Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lumpkin’s BBQ (182 Raymond Road, 601-3737707) Meats include fried or smoked turkey, smoked beef brisket or smoked pork roast, or small or large dinner packages that include one meat, two vegetables (greens, cabbage, yams or macaroni and cheese) and a roll or corn muffin.

You can also order sides like cornbread stuffing or yams by the half pan (feeds 15) or the full pan (feeds 30). Order by 5 p.m. Nov. 22.

McDade’s (Multiple locations, Woodland Hills, 653 Duling Ave., 601-366-5273) Bring in your own turkey or ham and the meat department will smoke it for you. (Woodland Hills location

Parker House rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, Parker House bread pudding and cobblers (apple, peach or pecan). Order by 3 p.m. by Friday, Nov. 19.

Pick-up by 3 p.m. Nov. 24.

Paul Anthony’s Butcher Market (Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 100, 601981-7559) Classic Thanksgiving fare including Turkey and sides.

Primos Café (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-936-3398 or 515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-898-3600) With their “Pick Up a Holiday” special you can order a dinner package that includes turkey or ham, cornbread dressing and gravy, large vegetable order (sweet potatoes, squash, butter beans, green beans, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes or broccoli au gratin), cranberry sauce, 12 dinner rolls and your choice of pie (lemon ice box, sweet potato or pecan). You can also place individual orders of any of the items above as well as breakfast items, breads, cheese straws or bursts, and cakes (German Chocolate, caramel, Italian cream, pineapple-coconut, red velvet, strawberry, pound, lemon pound or sugar-free pound). Primo’s will accept orders as long as they can; however, they recommend advance orders.

Rainbow Whole Foods Co-operative Grocery (2807 Old Canton Road, 601-366-1602). They offer organic, vegan and vegetarian options, including Tofurky. You can also order special items like real turkey and various types of homemade bread through customer service. Bakery items require three days advance notice and meats require 10 days notice.

Wellington’s at the Hilton (1001 E. County Line Road, 601-957-2800) “Thanksgiving To Go” packages include roasted turkey, Brenda’s cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, sweet-potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, Mississippi-mud pie and apple pie. Items can also be purchased à la carte. Order at least 48 hours in advance. Pick-ups are on Nov. 23 and 24.

Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day Fairview Inn and Sofia’s Restaurant (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429). Offering a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations required.

Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St., 601-9480888). Red Room Bar will open at 8 p.m. The Quills perform, $10 cover.

Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road, 601-957-2800) Served in the Grand Ballroom, the hotel will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving buffet. Reservations are required.

Marriott Jackson (200 E. Amite St., 601-8595100) Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an a la carte menu and no reservations needed.

Petra Café (104 W. Leake St., Clinton, 601-9250016) Home-cooked Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. 11 a.m. to midnight.

See and add more Thanksgiving diving and take-out options at jfpfood.com.

jacksonfreepress.com

O

h, the joy of Thanksgiving! As we prepare to give thanks and share time with family and friends, food will take center stage. Although many will spend hours in the kitchen to make everything from scratch, there are ways to enlist a little help. Let one of our fabulous local eateries prepare all or some of your t-day menu, and relax a bit. And if you don’t feel like cooking at all (or cleaning up) a few places will be open for dining out.

39

dining

by Lisa LaFontaine Bynum

LISA LAFONTAINE BYNUM

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November 17 - 23, 2010

very Thanksgiving, my house is divided. We take sides over stuffing— or dressing—whatever you prefer to call it. I was raised by Midwesterners and grew up eating stuffing of the cubed bread variety. I love the taste of sage, the little bite of crispiness on the top and the warm gooeyness underneath.

My husband refers to my brand of stuffing as “soggy bread dressing.”

His family was all born and bred right here in Mississippi, and he swears by his grandmother’s cornbread dressing. It has a permanent place in the buffet lineup every Thanksgiving, Christmas and any other family get-together.

No one may have served stuffing at the first Thanksgiving, but the tradition has been around for centuries. Stuffing used to only refer to something that was actually “stuffed” into the cavity of an animal. The earliest documentation of stuffing is in the Roman Apicius’ cookbook, “De Re Coquinaria,” which contained recipes consisting of vegetables, herbs, spices and nuts to stuff chicken, rabbit and pig. In the Middle Ages, stuffing was known as “farce” from the Latin “farcire” meaning “to stuff.” Stuffing first appeared in the English language around 1530; however, after 1880 the term didn’t appeal to the Victorian upper crust and they began to refer to it as “dressing.” Today, we use the terms stuffing and dressing interchangeably.

Stuffing has three main ingredients: bread, liquid and seasoning. Any type of bread will work as long as it’s not fresh. Using moist bread will give you mushy stuffing. You can always spread the cubes out on baking sheets and allow them to sit out overnight to dry or bake in an oven at 275

40

degrees for approximately 20 minutes. Most cooks use white bread; however, feel free to experiment with a variety of different breads such as wheat, French, Italian, whole-grain, rye, sourdough or cornbread. You might also consider trying pasta, rice, grains and vegetables.

Liquid keeps stuffing moist. The most obvious choice is broth. Sauces such as soy or Worcestershire, beaten eggs, fruit juice, beer, wine or liqueur add moisture in addition to flavor. Just don’t overdo it or, once again, your dish will end up being gooey or mushy. Other additives include meats such as bacon or sausage, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, sautéed vegetables and shellfish. If you are unsure how much to prepare, a good rule of thumb is one half to three-quarter cup serving of stuffing per person.

SOURDOUGH AND SAUSAGE DRESSING 1 pound sage-flavored bulk pork sausage 2 leeks, white and green parts, chopped 6 cups cubed sourdough bread 2 teaspoons thyme 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2-3 cups chicken stock

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook sausage in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Transfer sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add leeks to sausage drippings and cook until leeks become soft. Combine sausage, leeks, bread cubes, thyme, Italian seasoning, paprika and pepper. Pour chicken stock over bread mixture. Using a spoon or your hands, mix bread mixture until bread is moist. Transfer to a greased 9-by-11by-2-inch baking dish. Cook for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Serves eight to 10.

T

o my family, it’s not fall until Mom cooks the first batch of cranberry apple bake, warming the kitchen and filling the house with the smell of brown sugar.

Cranberry apple bake is a special dish in my family—typically reserved for Thanksgiving, Chanukkah, weekends, and now my trips home from Millsaps College.

My favorite fall days as a kid were when I would wake up to a hot dish of cranberry apple bake, and Mom and I would spend the rest of the morning in the library downtown.

Once I grew tall enough to reach the kitchen counter, Mom made me her assistant chef and taught me how to make it. It was my job to stir the cranberries and the sugar together, which mainly meant I got to eat handfuls of berries.

My mom received this recipe at a kitchen shower before my parents’ wedding in 1980. Each invitation held two recipe cards, and guests were asked to copy down their two favorite recipes. Mom wanted to get a head start on her kitchen.

“I got this one from my friend Jenny, who was a grade older than me,” Mom recalls. “It was an old family recipe in her family that they used starting at Thanksgiving.”

The recipe is a Thanksgiving staple for my family, even my picky grandpa. It can be served hot, warm or cold for breakfast, dessert or as a side.

CORNBREAD DRESSING 1 stick unsalted butter 2 cups chopped celery 2 cups chopped onion 6 - 8 cups crumbled cornbread 2 slices day old bread, torn 2 cups chicken broth, plus more as needed 2 raw eggs, slightly beaten 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery and onion, and sauté for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine cornbread with torn bread in

by Jesse Crow RENE SCHWIETZKE

The Skinny on Stuffing

Cranberry Apple Bake

CRANBERRY APPLE BAKE 4 medium apples 1/2 of a 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries 1/4 cup sugar 1 stick butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 1-1/2 cups oatmeal

Slice apples, and combine with washed cranberries and sugar. Mix well and put in a baking pan.

Melt butter, and add brown sugar and oatmeal to make the topping.

You may need to add in a little water if it’s too thick. Spoon the topping onto the fruit.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

a large bowl. Pour in chicken broth. Using a potato masher, begin mashing the bread— adding additional broth as needed—until the mixture is slightly soupy.

Mix in raw eggs. Add hardboiled eggs, sautéed vegetables and shredded chicken.

Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Season with salt and pepper.

Pour cornbread mixture into a 9-by-13by-2 inch casserole dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Place dish on the middle rack of the oven and cook for one hour. Broil for an additional five to 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Serves eight to 10.

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As I was preparing for work the other morning, I saw a clip on “Good Morning America” about an upcoming Marie Osmond interview on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She was speaking out about the loss of her 18-year-old adopted son Michael Blosil, who committed suicide eight months ago. He had issues in the past with depression and substance abuse, and he was very depressed the last time Osmond spoke to him on the phone. She tried to encourage her son by reminding him that she would be visiting him the following Monday.

Unfortunately, Michael took his life that Friday by jumping from the roof of his apartment building.

“I told him, ‘Mike, I’m gonna be there Monday, and it’s gonna be okay,’ but depression doesn’t wait until Monday,” she said.

Hearing her say that reminded me why I was walking down the rugged trail through the woods of Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff during NAMIWalks earlier this month. Depression should always be taken seriously, because you never know the mindset of the sufferer. You never know if you may be the one that could make him or her change her mind about giving up and ending it all.

I appreciate the work of NAMI Mississippi, whose goal is to educate people about and remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Although NAMIWalks was on Nov. 6, the fundraising website will be available until Jan. 5. If you like to donate to NAMI Mississippi, please visit nami.org/namiwalks10/MIS/ jfp2010 and give whatever you can. Thanks!

—Latasha Willis

Counterbalance Salad, salad, and more salad: This is what my body has been craving the last couple of weeks. Who can be surprised after the funnel cake splurge at the state fair and the Halloween candy that tempted everyone recently?

My husband happily munches on salad along with me. He’s even gotten into the habit of making grilled salad once or twice a week as of late. We’ve done lightly tossed steamed salads, cool and fresh green salads, and even pretty healthy homemade taco salads. It can be done if you start omitting fatty meats, sour cream, cheese, and other artery-clogging ingredients.

Some cumin on lean beef or chicken with a little garlic and chili pepper quickly spices up the meat without weighing it down, and a ton of cilantro with the salad portion makes me a happy camper.

Another tasty veggie that’s been in a lot of our meals lately is pumpkin. A beef and vegetable soup served in a baked pumpkin (you scrape the pumpkin’s tender insides off with each serving) was delicious. Bright orange pieces cut into salad has been happening a time or two around the house. Pumpkin bread even happened, made partially with applesauce to

cut down on the oil and sugar needed while still turning out to be a crowd pleaser.

—Kristin Brenemen

Drinking Less; Getting Sleep For the past few weeks I’ve been bothered by what I assume are allergies that have caused an interesting reaction: If I drink even one mug of beer or a single glass of red wine, I will wake up with an excruciating headache around 1 a.m. The headaches seemed to be what people describe as “cluster headaches”: the type where you consider banging your head against a wall in order to distract yourself from the pain.

I like beer—quite a lot. On of my favorite Jackson moments is walking into Pi(e) at Sal and Mookie’s, catching Tara-Lynn’s eye and having her say (or mouth, depending on the crowd and volume level) the question: “Stella?” My affirmative nets me a chilled glass of well-deserved relaxation after a hard day of BOOMin’ and JFP’in’.

Just the other night, it was a self-satisfied Laura at Hal and Mal’s who plunked down the fully updated beer menu and looked expectantly for my creative order. When I smiled apologetically and asked for a club soda with a twist, she made that “wonk-wooonk-wooonk” sound that you hear when a contestant guesses wrong on “The Price is Right.”

I could take a number of actions about this beer situation. I could go to a doctor, to figure out this radically ridiculous problem and get myself, once again, back on the beersoaked road of happiness. That would, however, require me going to a doctor.

What I’ve opted for over the past month is not drinking beer or red wine. In the past month I’ve had four mixed drinks: two martinis at Pi(e) and two vodka concoctions at places I won’t mention because I opted not to finish them. I’ve had a few glasses of white wine at home and at the beach when we got away a few weeks ago.

Most nights and weekends, I drink mineral water (I love the bubbles) when it’s around and club soda (or just plain old water) when it’s not. Here’s what I’ve concluded: 1.) I’m sleeping better and waking up easier, which makes for a happier, healthier feeling workday.

2.) I’ve lost 3-4 pounds.

3.) While I didn’t often get hangovers (or at least not bad ones) I now *never* get hangovers, thanks to the aforementioned not drinking.

4.) No worries driving home from pretty much anything.

5.) Cheaper restaurant tabs.

Like vegetarianism, teetotaling has its downside. I feel bad turning down hospitality due to dietary restrictions, whether in the form of food or drink. But I feel like what I’m doing is better for me, I feel a little better most days and my water consumption is way up.

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