v9n08 - JFP Issue: The Tragic Case of the Scott Sisters

THE TRAGIC CASE OF THE

SCOTT SISTERS SCHAEFER, PP 14-22

SCHAEFER, PP 14-22

PERKINS, P 25

THE HEAD OF STATE

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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 the cover story.

Melissa Webster Melissa Webster is a Delta State University graduate. Her life currently revolves around making art, taking care of a neurotic “wildcat” and dreaming of a 124-count pack of Crayolas. She designed the cover art.

Sahil Grewal Sahil Grewal, a native of New Delhi, India, is a management intern at the Jackson Marriot with a bachelor’s in hospitality management. When not perfecting his bartending skills, you can find him sky diving, playing squash or rapping.

He created the drink recipe.

Tom Ramsey Tom Ramsey is a lobbyist, former investment banker and tobacco exec. who teaches private cooking lessons and writes poetry and short fiction. He owns Ivy & Devine Culinary Group (www. ivyanddevine.com). He wrote a food piece.

Holly Perkins Editorial intern Holly Perkins is originally from the Jackson area.

Holly loves the arts—acting, painting, photography, writing and music. She is a freshman at Belhaven University and hopes to travel the world. She wrote an arts and a music piece.

Latasha Willis Events editor Latasha Willis is a native Jacksonian, a graduate of Tougaloo College and the proud mother of one cat. She is the NAMIWalks team captain.

Join her by going to nami.org/ namiwalks10/MIS/jfp2010.

Korey Harrion Web producer Korey Harrion is a saxophonist who runs a small computer-repair business. He enjoys reading, writing and playing music, origami and playing video games. He loves animals, especially dogs. He posts the Web stories for each issue.

November 3 - 9, 2010

Kimberly Griffin

4

Advertising director Kimberly Griffin is a Jackson native who likes yoga, supporting locally owned businesses and traveling.

In her spare time she plots how she can become Michelle Obama’s water holder.

editor’snote

by Natalie A. Collier, Associate Editor

Loving the Sinner

W

hen I was about 9 years old, my cousin Kim and I got into a fight.

I don’t remember what we were fighting about, but I got so angry I picked up a vase and hit her in the mouth with it. A chip of her tooth flew across the room, and buckets of tears gushed through her closed eyes as she gripped her mouth shut.

I threatened her not to tell my mother, convincing her we’d both be punished if she did. And so she didn’t. I knew my punishment would be more severe than any she’d receive.

She’d hurt my feelings, but she had a chipped tooth and a bloodied top lip.

We hurriedly flushed the piece of tooth down the toilet and sat in my room waiting for her lip to stop bleeding. Things were back to normal by the evening for my cousin and me. I whispered, “Sorry” to her when we’d finished quoting “Now I lay me down to sleep …” on our knees that night.

My grandmother always taught me if you never did anything to get into trouble, you wouldn’t have to worry about trouble. There is great merit to that life philosophy, but some of us do things that warrant punishment.

In February 2005, police pulled James V. Taylor over on a routine traffic stop. Police found a crack pipe in his car and, according to reports, an “unweighable” amount of crack cocaine. Farmington, Mo., police arrested Taylor, and he was eventually sentenced to 15 years in prison. He served four of those years.

Taylor shouldn’t have had a crack pipe, but there’s something excessive about his punishment, much like the double life sentence Judge Marcus Gordon handed down to Jamie and Gladys Scott in 1994 for stealing $11 to $200 (the exact amount is still unclear).

In Ward Schaefer’s cover story this week about the Scott sisters and their mother’s onewoman campaign to free them, the fallacies of our judicial system advertise to all who will look that America isn’t quite what we claim: a country that offers liberty and justice for all.

Critics of convicted criminals like Jamie and Gladys Scott, James Taylor and others sing a similar chorus: “They did the crime; they should do the time. … If crimes go unpunished, we may as well be living in a lawless society.” But these situations aren’t about not punishing wrong. They’re about compassion, grace and—I must—race and economics.

Last August, police arrested the notorious Hilton spawn, Paris, for 0.8 grams of cocaine that fell out of the purse she was carrying.

Hilton was sentenced to a year of probation, a drug-rehabilitation program, 200 hours of community service and a $2,000 fine.

How does 0.8 grams of cocaine get a year of probation but a crack pipe and an “unweighable” amount of crack cocaine warrant 15 years in prison?

Prosecutors defend such disparities by claiming crack gets into one’s bloodstream faster than powder cocaine because it’s smoked not snorted, making for a more intense high and greater chemical dependency. That would

be a good explanation, if I believed it. I don’t.

When then-President Ronald Reagan started the War on Drugs in the ’80s, it seemed to be the black crack users in blighted urban areas he and his soldiers were concerned most about. And so the war continues.

In the mid-1970s, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice and Statistics, the America’s prison population was about 300,000. This year, the number has spiked at about 2.4 million prisoners. This doesn’t take into account the number of people on probation or parole, which would increase the number to about 5 million people. Seventy percent of those nearly 7.5 million are people of color—nonwhite.

Yet 74.8 percent of the country’s 310 million people are white. Something ain’t right.

People of color are disproportionately incarcerated for crimes their white brothers and sisters in offense are slapped on the wrist for.

It’s all too convenient to be a coincidence.

If we’re honest, it won’t change any time soon. While there are people who want to reform the criminal justice system, a reformation begs for a serious and intentional look at skin color and money (or lack thereof). A cultural shift in the criminal-justice system—from punishing to rehabilitating—requires that we not just have a 25-plus-year war against drugs that no one’s won. It necessitates that we are for something. That we do something other than build more prisons during the day and gripe about public schools at night. It seems not many people are interested in that, though.

When I overhear people talking about being “pro-life,” I can’t help but interrupt to ask if they’re for the death penalty. The many who are in favor of both don’t see hypocrisy in their beliefs. Occasionally, someone will ask me in return, “Aren’t you in favor of the death

penalty?” My response is rarely different: “If there was equal justice under the law, I might consider it. Until then, no, I’m not.”

We live in an advanced society. We can call, text or video chat someone thousands of miles away without a second thought. We’re growing, as a people, to be not just tolerant of but accepting of people who look, act and believe differently than we do. Political correctness has its cons, but its introduction to dialogues has also forced us to chose our words carefully and consider our enemies, not just our friends. But with all that advancement, we still find ourselves holding on to primitivity.

The Babylonian’s Code of Hammurabi, which dates back to about 1760 BCE, says just punishment is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, depending on social status of slave versus free men. Centuries later, though most people would never publicly embrace this philosophy of punishment, our justice system repeatedly proves it’s our way of life.

People scream about being fair, but we don’t want fair. If things were fair, many of us would have never passed that class, landed that job or gotten out of that speeding ticket. We need new standards of compassion and grace.

People who do wrong should be punished, but when do grace and compassion become part of the equation? When do we start to love the sinner and hate the sin, as I was always taught, growing up in church?

Decisions, good and bad, have consequences. They should. But throwing the proverbial book at people who’ve wronged us should give us pause as we consider what happens if the book boomerangs. Don’t talk to me about equality; show it to me.

Sorry, Kim, about your tooth. Thanks for teaching me a life lesson I’ve never forgotten.

No ve m be r 3 - 9, 2010

jacksonian

VOL.

9 NO. 8

contents

Change for Real Entergy calculates the cost of climate change and seeks to lower its carbon footprint.

Cover illustration by Melissa Webster

COURTESY ENTERGY CORPORATION ; WARD SCHAEFER ; COURTESY EVELYN RASCO; COURTESY UNIVERSITY PRESS OF MISSISSIPPI

JERT-RUTHA CRAWFORD

7

11

THIS ISSUE: Inching Along .............. Editor’s Note

7

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

12

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

12

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

12

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

13

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

25

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

26

.......................... Books

29

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

30

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

32

.......................... Music

33

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

35

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

36

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

36

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

37

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

42

... Road to Wellnessw

Developers of the convention hotel complex are working hard to find financial backers.

dr. shirley schlessinger When Dr. Shirley Schlessinger was a young medical student at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, an encounter with a patient who desperately needed a transplant became the catalyst for devoting her career to organ recovery.

“I came across the path of a young woman that after three pregnancies had become bed ridden from blood clots in her lungs,” Schlessinger recalls. After visiting the patient daily, she knew that without a transplant, the woman would not survive.

“The interaction with that patient made me realize that transplants can either extend or save lives,” she says.

“A transplant not only changes the lives of the patients, but it affects their caregivers as well. Parents are able to go back to work if … they were the primary care giver. Siblings are ‘reborn’ with their brother or sister, and return to somewhat of a normal life. It is a very rewarding area of medicine to work in.”

Schlessinger, 51, is the medical director and chairwoman for the Board for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency—one of 57 federally funded organ-recovery programs in the nation. She is the associate dean for graduate medical education, and interim chairwoman at the department of medicine and physician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She is also one of the organizers of the Global Obesity Summit at the Jackson Convention Center Nov. 9 through 11. The event will draw international scientist, clinicians,

businesses leaders and policy makers to discuss solutions to obesity.

“I am wearing way too many hats, it seems,” she says, laughing.

Schlessinger earned her doctorate from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and moved to Jackson in 1985 with her husband, Louis, to study internal medicine. She left briefly for a stint in Birmingham to learn nephrology, the study of kidney diseases. She moved back in Jackson in 1993 for her current position at MORA. Currently, about 200 people in Mississippi are on the waiting list for kidneys, and 500 patients are waiting lists for other organs.

“Mississippians are giving and kind people, and although the actual number of confirmed donors is low, overall 60 to 70 percent of donors whose organs can be donated, either they agreed, or in the case of death, the family agreed for them to be donated,” she stated Schlessinger lives in Ridgeland with her husband, son, Drew, 18, and daughter, Allie, 14. She says she has seen Jackson grow and make tremendous progress over the past 25 years, which has increased opportunities for UMMC to prosper. At the end of the day, Schlessinger says working with people is what she enjoys most about her job.

“I still really enjoy my role as a physician,” she says. “The best day of the week is the week I get to see patients.”

—Langston Moore

14 Scott Travesty The Scott sisters’ supporters wait for Gov. Haley Barbour to dispense justice after 16 years.

26 Sourcing Truth Rewriting history is a hobby for Civil War buffs. Go to the source materials for the truth.

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Entergy: Global Warming Threatens Coast

by Adam Lynch

E

COURTESY ENTERGY CORPORATION

ntergy Corp. says the Mississippi Gulf In 2006, the global CO2 amount was 380 level, which the company said puts at risk its Coast will suffer $370 billion in losses parts per million, so the company estimates customer base and billions of dollars of investto global warming if power companies the planet is adding an extra 2 parts per mil- ment in the Gulf Coast area. do not offset the amount of carbon lion every year. A peak of 480 parts per mil“We commissioned a ($4 million) study they are putting into the environment. lion would produce a 70 percent to 85 percent of the Gulf Coast from Alabama to Texas. …

Jeff Williams, director of Entergy’s Cli- chance of global temperatures increasing up to We mapped it out, and did … modeling on mate Consulting division, released an Oct. 21 1.8 degrees Celsius. hurricane tracks, and calculated what the hazPowerPoint acknowledging that ards would be from more intense global warming is a reality and storms and sea-level rising,” Wilthat the power industry must liams said. act immediately to counter it.

The company compared po“It’s not a question of if tential losses under three climateman’s activity will warm the change scenarios and determined planet. Ninety eight percent of that its customer base is looking scientists agree that it is. The at a cumulative estimated loss of question is how much impact $370 billion from 2010 to 2030 we’re talking about and when it as climate change takes hold. will happen,” Williams told the “It’s tough to get your head Jackson Free Press Friday. around that large a number,” The company warned that Williams said. “You could rethe planet may be “approachbuild all the buildings in the city ing tipping points of no return” of New Orleans six times over for regarding sea-level rise, more in- This Entergy PowerPoint slide reveals that the company anticipates $370 billion.” tense storms and massive world- global warming to cost the Gulf Coast $370 billion cost by 2030.

This is not the first time the wide food and water shortages company has sounded the alarm. as a result of global warming.

Entergy Corp. and its affiliates Entergy said the amount of carbon in That temperature change could prove Entergy Mississippi Inc. and Entergy Louisithe atmosphere has been rising steadily since problematic for the Mississippi Gulf Coast ana Inc., among others, are members of the 2006. The company reports that in 2010, the and other areas of the world: Entergy reports Edison Electric Institute—an association of planet reached almost 390 parts per million of that a rise of 2 degrees Celsius increases the shareholder-owned electric companies serving CO2 emissions. (One part per million CO2 probability of melting the Greenland ice sheet 70 percent of the U.S. power industry. equals 2.1 billion tons of CO2 above what and adding 20 feet to the planet’s sea level.

Last year, EEI worked with House Demthe earth’s carbon sinks—areas that absorb Coastal areas, it adds, are already experienc- ocrats Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and others carbon in the land and ocean—can remove.) ing hazards related to climate and a rise in sea ENTERGY, see page 8

PARDONED!

T

o balance the scales should Gov. Haley Barbour decide to pardon the Scott sisters, The JFP has come up with a list of pardonable offenses committed by the governor.

• Forgetting the JFP’s anniversary every year. We don’t even get a card.

• Never picking up his “Best of Jackson” awards.

• Always starting every speech with Marsha.

• Forgetting that Mississippi schools weren’t integrated when he was in college.

• Spending more time on the RGA

consummate

campaign circuit than in Mississippi.

• Buying us things we don’t want, like a coal plant.

• In advance, if he runs for president.

• His syrupy accent … Nah.

Thursday Oct. 28 The presidential commission on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill finds that Halliburton and BP knew the cement used to seal the bottom of the well did not meet standards, but did not act on this knowledge. … New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announces a pilot program sponsored by the U.S. Justice Department to aid victims of domestic violence.

Friday Oct. 29 Two packages carrying explosives from Yemen destined for synagogues in Chicago are detained in Dubai and Britain. … Gunfire erupts during a football game between Newton and Scott Central High Schools in the parking lot. One man is injured; the gunman remains at large.

Saturday Oct. 30 Around 220,000 people gather on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear hosted

by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. The rally is a response to Glenn Beck’s August Rally for Restoring Honor, which attracted about 80,000. … The Beverly Drive-In Theater burns in an early-morning fire. The Hattiesburg theater was one of the state’s endangered historic places, as named by the Mississippi Heritage Trust.

Sunday Oct. 31 Theodore Sorensen, adviser, strategist and speechwriter for John F. Kennedy, dies at the age of 82. … The New Orleans Saints defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10 in the Superdome.

• Not walking, Mississippi.

• Drooling while confusing chocolate mousse and oil.

Wednesday Oct. 27 The U.S. Geological Survey announces a drastic cut in the amount of oil estimated in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, from 10.6 billion barrels to 896 million barrels. … The Mississippi Supreme Court rules the write-in election of a judge for the 13th Judicial District will take place.

“I didn’t craft the deal, but I’m the guy who has to make sure we consummate it. We are working hard to do that.” —Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. commenting on the city’s obligations for building the convention center hotel complex.

Monday Nov. 1 Nineteen members of the on-duty police force of Khogyani, Afghanistan defect and join Taliban forces. … Bill Minor, former Mississippi State senator and current Northern District commissioner of transportation, dies while attending a national transportation conference. He was 68.

Tuesday, Nov. 2 Voters head to the polls in an election that could shift the balance of power in national politics to Republican conservatives.

jacksonfreepress.com

news, culture & irreverence

As of 2005, the rate of incarceration for African Americans in Mississippi was about three-and-a-half times higher than whites and three times higher than Latinos. Nationally, the disparity between blacks and whites is even greater, with the black rate six times higher than whites.

SOURCE:THE SENTENCING PROJECT.

The JRA’s Jason Brookins weighs in on Hinds’ exotic financial deals. p 10

7

Public schools do more than educate children. They measure a city’s pride. They reflect community. They predict the social and economic well-being of a city’s future.

For 20 years, Parents for Public Schools of Jackson has worked to keep our public schools strong, to empower parents as leaders for positive change, and to engage community support of our public schools.

Join us. For our city. For our children.

For our future.

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

www.ppsjackson.org

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news, culture & irreverence

ENTERGY, from page 7

on a legislative proposal to reduce climate change. The proposal included cap-and-trade legislation, which puts limits on the carbon a power company can dump into the atmosphere. To avoid reaching that cap, a carbonemitting company can purchase carbon permits from another power-producing company that has earned substantial permits by investing in renewable, carbon-light energy production, such as solar or nuclear technology.

However, the bill drew animosity from coal-based power generators, who managed to derail the legislation despite their small number. Companies challenging the climate bill comprise about 6 percent of shareholderowned power companies and only serve about 4 percent of the country’s electricity users, but they found a friend in the Republican Party, which refuses to support the climate bill or any effort to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.

The New York Times reported in October that “large-scale efforts to pass a broad U.S. climate policy are off the table for at least a couple of years,” when Republicans erode Democratic control of the House and Senate.

But power companies like Entergy say they want to see some effort in Washington so they can know to what extent they can invest in renewable power production. Specifically, the company wants to be able to sell carbonneutral tax credits to other power companies to fund its expensive transition to nuclear and renewable power generation and steer the cost of investment away from Entergy rate-payers.

“What we need is certainty,” Williams said. “We’re investing in long-term, (carbon-reducing) assets, and it would be helpful to know what regulatory regime will be in place. We’re an advocate of putting a price on carbon and allowing the market to pick the most efficient path forward. In advance

of knowing if there’s going to be a price on carbon, we would be at risk of investing in technology, only to find that the policy wasn’t there (to support it) later.”

Industry critics say they worry if power companies are pushing the climate-change debate to contain the costs of dicey investments in “clean coal” or nuclear technology. Mississippi Power Company recently received approval from the Mississippi Public Service Commission to charge ratepayers for the construction of a $2.8 billion Kemper County coal-burning plant designed to capture roughly half its carbon dioxide. Environmental groups like the Mississippi Sierra Club oppose the plant, saying it is an untested and overly expensive alternative to cheaper solar technology, and has filed an injunction against its construction in Harrison County Chancery Court.

Mississippi Sierra Club Executive Director Louie Miller also opposes expansions in nuclear technology. “I’ll stand with nuclear the day they can tell me where they’ll keep all the radioactive waste, which stays toxic for thousands of years,” Miller said.

Entergy used Electric Power Research Institute figures to show how nuclear power and carbon-capture coal plants like the Kemper County plant could remove 500 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere by 2030. But Williams said the company is open to a myriad of carbon-saving measures, including renewable energy investment like solar and wind energy, and efficiency investments on the consumer end if it meant stabilizing the Gulf Coast economy.

“We view this as a risk-management challenge—taking the worst potential outcome off the table as an insurance policy. One thing people don’t understand is that not doing something is a kind of decision in itself, and it’s the costliest decision we could make for the country,” Williams said.

Development Roundup: JRA Eyes Farish, Delays on Arena

Thomas Beck

by Ward Schaefer

November 3 - 9, 2010

T

8

Developer David Watkins will meet with the JRA to settle a rent dispute over space at Union Station.

he Jackson Redevelopment Authority’s Oct. 27 board meeting saw few major steps forward but many hints at future projects.

JRA Executive Director Jason Brookins told board members that several developers have expressed interest in the old Holiday Inn property on Highway 80.

Brookins said that he was in preliminary discussions with some landowners around the Farish Street Entertainment District about development plans beyond district. Future JRA projects in the area would almost certainly include land acquisition, Brookins said.

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Bar-

rett-Simon has suggested the possibility of expanding the “urban renewal area” designation that currently covers the Jackson Medical Mall to include the industrial park at Mayes and Lawson streets.

Board members also delayed a decision on contributing to an arena feasibility study by consulting firm Populous.

A study committee including Downtown Jackson Partners and other business representatives has already commissioned Populous for the study and solicited private support, but JRA lawyers said that they needed more time to review the details of a potential contribution.

The board moved to a closed session to discuss the payment of back rent on office space at Union Station with former law partners David Watkins and Jim Young.

Board members directed Brookins to meet with both Watkins and Young to settle on a figure for back rent before renewing their leases.

THOMAS BECK

by Adam Lynch

PEER Questions Funding

T

WAGGONER ENGINEERING

he Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review is warning against the likelihood of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District Levee Board funding a lake or similar impoundment for flood control in the Pearl River.

A PEER report determined that progress on actually nailing down some means of flood control—be it a levee expansion, a container lake or a combination of both—was too slow.

Noting delays, it also recommended the Levee Board deliver to the state House and Senate, as well as to PEER, an annual report of its progress by Dec. 31. PEER has offered similar suggestions in the past, but it usually reserves annual report requests to state agencies—even though PEER said in the report that it defines the district as having “more in common with the political subdivisions of local government than a state agency.”

The report stated that the Levee Board has considered multiple plans to avoid another 1979 Easter Flood, including a massive ”Two Lakes” plan impacting more than 7,000 acres of wetland and woodland area, and a more

Engineers are comparing the scenic Trinity River project in Fort Worth, depicted here, to the local Levee Board’s continuing effort to create a lake plan for the Pearl River.

T

he Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District can take a lesson from Fort Worth, Texas, Waggoner Engineering owner Joe Waggoner said at the Oct. 27 Levee Board meeting.

Waggoner drew a comparison between an ongoing river-development project in Fort Worth to the Levee Board’s single-lake proposal for the Pearl River.

“I think you should consider going out to visit this area,” said Waggoner, whose company does some engineering work for the Levee Board and who supports the Board’s decision to promote damming the Pearl River to create a 1,200-acre lake. “This is a combination Corps project with a local sponsor, only they’ve gotten their feasibility study approved by the Corps, and they’ve begun construction on it. ... The whole project will be ready in about 2021.”

By comparison, the local Levee Board has only recently convinced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider a lake plan for the Pearl River in its upcoming feasibility study on Pearl flood control. For years, the Corps has steadfastly refused to include a lake plan in the study because it clashed with Corps man-

recent one lake plan that floods only the channelized portion of the Pearl River, south of Lakeland Drive.

PEER declared that the Levee Board’s more recent endorsement of a one-lake plan is an improvement over the earlier lake plan, saying that the bigger lake plan “appears to exceed financial feasibility.” Aside from the impractical litigation costs of inundating precious wetland, PEER also noted that the district appears to have “no apparent definable plan to finance the construction” of the larger lake project, and that “the apparent absence of the authority of eminent domain weakens the ability of a private entity to obtain the land necessary to construct such a massive project.”

The state investigative agency notes that financing any flood-control project will not come easy. The Corps has shown willingness to move forward on a simple levee expansion, but PEER cites that the state Legislature twice failed to help fund the local share of the project which was only $38 million.

Part of the roadblock consisted of representatives further downstream who feared the expanded bottleneck of the larger levee would

This lake design is one of the many concept plans the local Levee Board has considered over the last 10 years. A recent PEER report advised the Levee Board to step up progress on choosing a plan.

increase the flow of floodwater to their area.

PEER reported that an amendment to one of the bills financing the local share in 1995 “required the persons responsible for paying all bonds authorized for levee construction to also be responsible for bonding funds necessary to repair damages caused by increased flooding south of the Jackson area.”

Money issues will continue to plague whatever plan the Levee Board endorses.

Waggoner Engineering owner Joe Waggoner suggested the board recess Oct. 11 while his company gathered information on what the

Lessons From Texas? dates to only approve and fund a flood-control plan with the least environmental impact. The Corps has insisted that a plan to expand existing levees carries the least environmental risk.

Waggoner said both Jackson’s lake project in Jackson and the Texas plan offer flood control, economic development and recreation.

The Texas plan produces 800 acres of developable area, while the most recent lake plan endorsed by the Levee Board would open 1,000 acres to new development if the Corps gives it the go-ahead. Both plans offer considerable potential for mixed-use development, commercial, retail, and pedestrian walking trails and open space.

Both the Pearl and Trinity rivers have an annual average peak flow of about 30,000 to 40,000 cubic feet per second according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Over the last 120 days, the USGS says the Pearl averaged 13,688 cubic feet of discharge per second, while the Trinity River averaged a slightly higher rate of 16,435 cubic feet per second. Both rivers reached a record peak of about 120,000 cubic feet per second, although the Pearl hit its record in 1979, while Trinity did its worst flood damage in the 1940s.

The projects differ in other regards. Developers of the Trinity River project plan to divert the river through a 1.5-mile bypass featuring high levees, while using flood-control gates and valley storage areas to maintain the water depth of the original winding riverbed.

The Trinity project makes the original lake bed a bastion of stable, flood-free development and creates a modest 33-acre lake.

The Pearl plan, in contrast, would install

district would need to do to fund the local share of any flood-control development.

The district would likely have to expand and fund any development with a property-tax increase, but most of the board members serve as mayors of various cities surrounding the Pearl River, and step gingerly around the idea of property-tax increases to their voters.

Waggoner did not broach the topic of the tax increase or the district expansion at the Oct. 27 meeting, however, and the mayors on the board did not inquire that day as to why.

by Adam Lynch

underwater dams beneath the Pearl River and deepen the river channel, creating a 1,200acre lake that may or may not effectively hold flood waters without the addition of a levee expansion. The Corps has yet to determine the necessity of levees in the feasibility study.

The Levee Board voted to pursue the one-lake plan “with or without levees,” depending on what the Corps determined would provide adequate flood control.

The Trinity River project price tag is $909 million with a $435 million local share, while Levee Board engineers suspect the Pearl lake development could run $500 million. Both projects have the benefit of a 50 percent federal share in the cost, but the Trinity project is already off the ground in terms of funding for its local share. The federal sponsor kicked in 50 percent, while the city of Fort Worth and Tarrant County dedicated a combined $17 million to the cause. Other local sponsors include the Trinity River Vision Authority.

A spokeswoman for Trinity River Vision Authority told the Jackson Free Press that the Tarrant Regional Water District dedicated $64 million to the construction of the bypass channel and bridges, courtesy of natural gas and drilling revenue along District-owned lakes. Besides the $64 million seed money, the Tarrant Regional Water District also invested $17.5 million to buy land for the project and kicked in a separate $226 million loan to the tax-increment financing deal that makes possible the local share portion of the funding.

A TIF plan uses predicted tax gains from

a proposed development to finance that same development. By borrowing against anticipated property-tax revenues, a city, county or government authority relies on the new development to fund the bond, which the government agency sells on the bond market.

The difference between the Trinity and a local King Edward TIF, however, is that the Tarrant Regional Water District made the loan to a development sponsor, the nonprofit Trinity River Vision Authority, until the TIF can start generating money. They also generously extended their TIF to 40 years. They can do this because the district had access to $160 million in surplus funds as recently as June, and predicted another $30 million more in annual revenue generated from oil and gas royalties.

The Levee Board, comparatively, does not have the benefit of any oil or mineral revenues. In fact, the Levee Board has yet to iron down exactly how they plan to fund the local share. Mayors on the Levee Board are hesitant to speak of tax increases on Hinds and Rankin County property home-owners, and the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review predicted that funding flood control in the area will be difficult, considering how easily legislators shot down bills making the Levee Board the local sponsor of a $38 million levee expansion in 1995 and 1996.

Nevertheless, Levee Board Chairman Billy Orr said he and some members of the board should make plans to visit the people behind the Trinity River project, in hopes of gaining some insight on a funding mechanism.

jacksonfreepress.com

pearlrivertalk

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countytalk

by Ward Schaefer

Stopping the Swap

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based on a floating rate tied to market trends.

Governments and other organizations can use a swap to lock in a fixed interest rate on bonds that would otherwise carry a floating rate. They can also use them in the reverse, lowering the cost of their bond debt by betting that floating interest rates will rise above a fixed rate. Some municipalities, like Jefferson

Christi ViVar

inds County’s interest-rate swap won’t always be the gift that keeps on giving. The fancy financial derivative deal has brought the county $4.4 million over four years thanks to historically low interest rates, county financial adviser Porter Bingham says. With the national economy on a glacially slow but eventual rise, though, the county may have the opportunity to end its swap with a profit, before interest rates begin climbing again in earnest.

Bingham, CEO of the Atlanta-based Malachi Group, approached the Hinds County Board of Supervisors with a twofold proposition at its Oct. 18 meeting.

First, he asked the board to renew a “collar” that protected the county from almost all risk associated with the swap. Next, he asked the board to give him approval in advance to terminate the swap if the market presented an opportunity for significant profit.

After the board voted unanimously to approve both of Bingham’s requests, Board President Robert Graham joked that Bingham’s presentation had “thoroughly confused” the supervisors.

In its simplest form, an interest-rate swap involves two parties exchanging interest payments. One party will swap its fixed-rate interest payments for another party’s payments

County, Ala., nearly went bankrupt with such bets when interest rates plummeted several years ago.

The county’s interest-rate swap is far more esoteric, using two bond issues and two different floating rates. Bingham describes it as a “synthetic refinancing.” It still follows the same basic trends, however, as the plain vanilla

form: The swap’s benefit to the county rises and falls depending on interest rates.

In July the board renewed the collar on the smaller portion of the interest-rate swap— one based on a $7.5 million bond issue. The collar on the larger portion, based on a $39.5 million chunk of bond debt, expired Oct. 15.

For three years, it protected the county from suddenly owing money to its counter party in the transaction, Rice Financial Products, if interest rates trended unfavorably.

“Those collars have prevented the county from being exposed to the vagaries of the market,” Bingham told supervisors.

This time, Bingham recommended that the board only renew the collar for six months, in part because interest rates are increasingly likely to rise. “What has made this transaction work for the county is that we put the collars on at a time when rates were much higher,” Bingham said. “We can guess with some degree of certainty that if interest rates are at 40year lows, at some point, as the economy begins to recover, then that pendulum will swing back in the other direction.”

The likelihood of a rebound in interest rates also presents the county with the opportunity to end its swap while it is still profitable.

Bingham said that the county might be able to end the transaction for an additional profit

November 3 - 9, 2010

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of between $1 million and $3 million. That figure depends on market trends, however.

Bingham said that the county would have to decide to stop the swap within a matter of hours to take advantage of such a profit.

“There will be a point in the not-too-distant future where this transaction, as it moves back to some normal yield curve, will show you an inordinate amount of profit,” Bingham said. “(The decision) has to be somewhat immediate. You might be able to say, ‘Let me call you back. Give me an hour. Give me two.’

But you won’t have a day or two or three.”

As with any deliberative body, urgency is not the board’s strong suit. Supervisors first appeared hesitant to grant any advance approval for ending the swap. “If it was sent to me, I wouldn’t dare make a decision without consulting the other board members,” Graham said. “I’m definitely not going to make a million-dollar decision on my own.”

The board ultimately settled on a $1 million profit threshold for terminating the swap, the lower end of what Bingham said the county could expect to make. Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution giving County Administrator Carmen Davis the authority to sign off on the swap’s termination if the million-dollar decision presents itself.

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

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

harles Breunig and his family love Papa John’s Pizza. In fact, they love it so much that they own two of Jackson’s very own.

For years Breunig worked in the corporate offices for a hamburger business, and when deciding how to move closer to his wife’s family in New Orleans, he looked into business opportunities in Jackson. He found his answer in the “for sale” advertisement of eight Papa John’s stores in the metro Jackson area, and he and Owner, Charles Breuning his family became the proud owners of two franchises in Jackson.

“We have always loved Papa John’s,” says Breunig. “When it came to pizza this was the family favorite.”

No wonder…the menu selections have something for every pizza fanatic. The Works (pepperoni, ham, spicy Italian sausage, fresh sliced onions, green peppers, gourmet baby portabella mushrooms, and ripe black olives) or the BBQ Chicken Bacon (authentic BBQ flavor, featuring tangy BBQ sauce and piled high with grilled all-white chicken, hickory smoked bacon and fresh sliced onions) are just a few favorites.

While specialty and traditional pizzas are offered, customers can also order dessert pizzas, such as the favorite cinnamon dessert pizza. Simply add appetizers to your order or make them your meal: try the fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven cheese sticks, bread sticks or wings.

Breunig said Papa John, actual founder John Schnatter, is a fanatic about his ingredients and the quality of the product. Schnatter’s dream was to one day open a pizza restaurant that would provide superior-quality traditional pizza delivered right to the customer’s door. In fact, Schnatter sold his 1971 Z28 Camaro to purchase the restaurant equipment he needed to make his dream come true at his father’s tavern, Mick’s Lounge in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

“Making a quality pizza using better ingredients has been the foundation of Papa John’s,” said Breunig. “In our Jackson locations, our customers are familiar with our store and the great pizza they enjoy in their homes. Also familiar to customers are the faces of our employees because we have had some of the most loyal ones for over ten years.”

Breunig is proud to be a part of the Jackson community, by living, working and playing in Jackson. Papa John’s helps with school, church and organization fundraisers on a regular basis; in fact, if your group is interested, call Breunig at 601-573-1172.

Papa John’s is fast-casual, convenient and friendly; order online www.papajohns.com, and it’ll be delivered within 30 to 35 minutes or ready at the store for pick up within ten to 15 minutes. If you have a big order, just call a day or two ahead to have your special order request fulfilled.

Visit Papa John’s two Jackson locations at 1220 E. Northside Drive at Maywood Mart (601982-2007) or 717 W. McDowell Road (601-373-1112). Both locations are open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

developmenttalk

by Lacey McLaughlin

Convention Hotel Waits on Financing

Jackson Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Jason Brookins said the city may expand the Jackson Convention Complex by obtaining additional properties TCI-MS developers purchased in 2007.

a great benefit to the convention center.”

The resolution also states that JRA will reimburse the developer for all “eligible costs and expenses incurred by the redeveloper with respect to the project.” This means that after JRA receives money from selling the bonds, JRA will give the developer those funds to build the project, and TCI will then make the bond payments.

JRA Executive Director Jason Brookins said the agreement also has language referring to the former Firestone Tires site and the old Barefield Furniture property on the corner of Roach and Pascagoula streets that TCI purchased separate from site of the proposed convention center hotel and multi-use

development. TCI-MS bought the property from private owners for an undisclosed amount in an earlier deal and agreed to place the title in JRA’s name. Once the city crafts a final deal, that agreement may allow for the city to reimburse the developers up to $1.75 million for the property.

But Brookins said the reimbursement doesn’t mean the city is handing over cash; instead, it could serve as credit. In 2008, the city loaned $7 million to TCI-MS through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the development of the hotel. In June, the city passed a resolution calling for the TCI-MS to repay $2 million of the loan to the city in January 2011 and repay the remaining loan’s principal by Jan. 1, 2013.

Brookins said the city plans to use the vacant buildings to expand the convention center. “We asked the developer to purchase the property—Firestone and Barefield—and place it in the name of JRA,” he said. “That was a precautionary move. If the development didn’t go through, the property would be retained by the city of Jackson.”

But the specifics of the agreement won’t be nailed down until JRA has the project’s financing in place.

“The city has a very strong desire to see that property made available right now for the future expansion of the convention center hotel. Either the city will own (the property), JRA will own it, or the convention center will own it. Someone other than the developer will own that property in the very near future,” Brookins said.

Johnson said that the developers are not beholden to deadlines, but he expected financing decisions to come into place in the near future. Small said in mid-October that TCI has secured GO Zone bonds through the Mississippi Development Authority.

“We have submitted proper paperwork with MDA,” Small said. “… The GO Zone bonds have been assured for the project.

Now we are just trying to get the paperwork in place so we can sell the bonds.”

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

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jacksonfreepress.com

ministration is responsible for carrying it out, he is committed to seeing it through.

Late Jackson Mayor Frank Melton was largely responsible for securing the deal with the Dallas developers.

“I didn’t craft the deal, but I’m the guy who has to make sure we consummate it. We are working hard to do that,” Johnson said.

“We are working with the developer and potential financing sources. Not only is it a business deal with a lot of resources at stake, we have a lot of skin in the game. We truly believe that a convention center hotel will be WARD SCHAEFER

I

t’s been a little over a month since the Jackson Redevelopment Authority passed a resolution to issue up to $95 million in bonds for the proposed convention center hotel complex, but the project’s developers are still trying to get a financial structure in place for the development to move forward.

In 2007, JRA, a quasi-government entity that manages and develops city property, sold four blocks of property along Pascagoula Street to TCI-MS, a limited-liability company formed by Mark Small, president of MJS Realty based in Dallas, Texas, with close ties to controversial businessman Gene Phillips.

When finished, Capital City Center, a $200 million multi-use development, will include a 19-story Crowne Plaza Hotel with 300 guest rooms, a 175-room Staybridge Suites Hotel, a 1,500-car garage, skywalks linking the hotels with the convention complex and a 200-unit “luxury” apartment building.

The non-binding resolution nails down a specific amount that the city will allocate in bonds, but until the developers finds a financial entity to buy the bonds, JRA and the city will not enter into a final agreement.

Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. told the Jackson Free Press during a Sept. 29 editorial board meeting that the resolution authorizes the developer’s application for Gulf Opportunity Zone financing and gives support for financial backing from bankers. He said the city has already provided a generous amount of financial resources for the development and wouldn’t speculate whether the city would provide additional support if the developers were unable to secure financing.

“I think that the city has made a very significant and firm expression of its willingness to participate in this deal, and to go beyond that at this point is not only speculation but is maybe a little challenging,” Johnson said. “We will have to wait and see what happens if the developer isn’t able to secure financing.”

Johnson added that this wouldn’t have been his ideal project, but now that his ad-

11

jfp op/ed

opining, grousing & pontificating

EDITORIAL

Free the Scott Sisters

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ov. Haley Barbour should pardon Jamie and Gladys Scott—and not because we believe beyond a shadow of doubt that they are innocent.

He should pardon them because they have done the time for the crime they are accused of committing. They have served 16 years for (perhaps) putting even younger people up to a robbery. If they did it, it was a horrible act, and they should have served time for it.

Now, though, they have—and they have served more time than many Mississippians who have committed much worse crimes: people who actually brandished weapons, people who injured or killed or raped other people, people who bilked families out of livelihoods or helped indict their political enemies while keeping their buddies and their kids out of jail for real crimes. (Hint on the latter: Read Curtis Wilkie’s new book, “The Fall of the House of Zeus.”)

The case is especially horrifying because they are women—mothers—who clearly made bad decisions, but now are expected to spend the rest of their lives in prison without parole for those choices. It is not a standard we apply to everyone—and even less so if the criminal has white skin.

The Scott Sisters personify our two-tiered system of justice. They are black and powerless, so they go to jail. White men such as those who brutally killed wives and girlfriends and then got lucky enough to buddy up to the governor in his mansion end up going home early.

Gov. Barbour did not put the Scott Sisters in jail, and it’s not his fault they are still there; it was Gov. Ronnie Musgrove who refused to pardon them. But the governor does have the opportunity to make this right. And his decisions to let the woman-killers go in 2008—as the JFP’s Ronni Mott and intern Sophie McNeil revealed to the world then—make it imperative that he now apply some sort of fairness and basic humanity to this case.

There is no indication that the Scott Sisters are dangerous, or that they will commit more crimes. In fact, one of them is very sick. Sadly, they represent other powerless prisoners rail-roaded through our criminal-justice system—many of whom are innocent of heinous charges. (Remember Cedric Willis?)

Tragically, too many people turn their heads from these cases, whether they involve innocence or over-zealous prosecution. And the vast majority of such cases that linger without justice involve African Americans.

If our state has changed as much as people like to say it has, we all need to carry the banner of fair and equitable punishment. If we don’t, all of our claims of change will mean nothing. Actions are what matter, not platitudes.

KEN STIGGERS

The Chitterling Holiday Season

November 3 - 9, 2010

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arnest “Monday Night Football Head” Walker: “Attention, Pork-N-Piggly shoppers: Now that the elections are over, it’s time to enjoy the holiday seasons. As chief executive officer of Pork-N-Piggly supermarkets, I am happy to announce the start of the Chitterling (Chit-lin) Holiday Season. This is the time of the year when businesses create a festive and cheerful atmosphere to influence consumers to spend their hard-earned dollars.

“During the Chitterling Holiday Season, Pork-N-Piggly’s meat, poultry and deli departments are ready to meet—no pun intended—your needs by providing every meat product from the rooter to the tooter.

“What would the Chitterling Holiday Season be like without Chief Crazy Brother’s dazzling and dramatic display of Native American Art and his controversial one-man performances of ‘Weeping and Wailing on the Trail of Tears’ and ‘All We Got Out of the Real Estate Deal Were Hotels, Casinos and Reservations.’

“Speaking of art, Brother Sylvester, our resident ‘Christmas Missing Toe’ artist, will exhibit his new holiday-season artwork. Be sure to view and/or purchase copies of his most recent and controversial holiday paintings titled: ‘All I Want for Christmas is a Job’ and ‘Portrait of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party Guy’.

“Pork-N-Piggly supermarkets are happy to have Nurse Tootie McBride and her Licensed Nurse Practitioner squad administering flu shots and weekly high blood pressure and diabetes screenings during Chitterling Holiday Season.

“On behalf of my dedicated Pork-N-Piggly supermarket staff, I wish the financially challenged community a healthy and economical Chitterling Holiday Season.”

YOUR TURN

by Ronni Mott

Remember Sanity

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hen I was given the opportunity to go to Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity this past weekend, I jumped at the chance. I went to school in the Washington, D.C., area, and cut my activist teeth on Vietnam War demonstrations in the nation’s capital and Equal Rights Amendment marches down Constitution Avenue to the west side of the U.S. Capitol building.

The sheer numbers that greeted us at the rally have somewhat restored my faith in America. By 10:30 a.m. the area between 3rd and 7th streets was filled. The metro ride into the city was so jammed that the conductor had to empty one of the trains I rode on because he couldn’t close the doors, his frustration evident when he announced, “I told you and told you. Now they’re taking the train out of service.”

The event, put together by Comedy Central, had an air of a good party. There was a slate of awesome musicians and comedians, and the day had few serious political moments. The rally was, after all, a direct response to the pseudo-political Rally to Restore Honor just a couple months ago. Glenn Beck is no more a serious political analyst than Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert, though you wouldn’t know it by the way some people talk.

During the course of the day, I met a diverse group of people—in age, ethnicity and religion— from all over the United States. Folks came from Alaska and California, Maine and Florida, Wisconsin and Texas, and all points in between. I didn’t see one sign calling tea partiers or Republicans Nazis or Communists, although I saw a few allusions to their general lack of spelling skills. And though the space allotted was nowhere close to a comfortable fit for 220,000, people weren’t pushing, shoving or rude—at least not

to me.

In discussions with fellow travelers, one thing was clear: What could have been a mess wasn’t. And we talked a lot about fear. Ultimately, we recognized that fear is not a useful, productive emotion. Should we be fearful of the times we live in? Perhaps. But maybe we would all do much better to avoid the “fight or flight” syndrome fear precipitates and learn exactly what’s going on to find a better path. No one makes rational decisions when they’re afraid, and that’s exactly what some conservative leaders count on.

Toward the end of the rally, Stewart became serious: “This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith, or people of activism, or look down our noses at the heartland, or passionate argument, or to suggest that times are not difficult and that we have nothing to fear—they are, and we do.

“But we live now in hard times, not end times.

And we can have animus, and not be enemies. But unfortunately, one of our main tools in delineating the two broke.

“The country’s 24-hour, political pundit perpetual panic conflictinator did not cause our problems, but its existence makes solving them that much harder. The press can hold its magnifying glass up to our problems, ... illuminating issues heretofore unseen.

Or they can use that magnifying glass to light ants on fire, and then perhaps host a week of shows on the dangerous, unexpected flaming ants epidemic. If we amplify everything, we hear nothing.”

I’m writing this on Election Day, not knowing what the outcome will be. Chances are there will be far fewer Democrats in the U.S. Congress come January. Let’s hope we remember those words as we pull together to emerge from these hard times.

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.

TOM HEAD

Don’t Tread on Her

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W

hatever political ideology the Rand Paul supporters who attacked Lauren Valle last week might have claimed to have, they became fascists the moment they held her down and stomped her in the head.

The term “fascism” comes from the fasces, the intimidating bundle of white birch rods that, attached to an axe in the ancient Roman republic, functioned as a symbol that brought to mind the state’s power to execute those who opposed it. While there are many civil liberties that can be violated and many human rights that can be suppressed, true fascism represents the violent suppression of dissent, the idea that the proper response to an idea that challenges authority is either violence or the threat of violence.

As a progressive activist in Mississippi who knows his history, I live under the shadow of the fasces. I’ve never been beaten or shot for my beliefs, but I can read in the history books about Medgar Evers, the Freedom Summer murders, the Chaney-Goodman-Schwerner slayings and the literally hundreds of other lynchings that defined the white supremacist response to the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi.

Or I can look more recently at the murder of the Arkansas Democratic Party chairman, the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist church shootings or the murder of pro-choice physician George Tiller.

Or I can look at the threats that activists still face today—one friend in a feminist T-shirt was cornered in Lowe’s and told to be careful wearing slogans like that because she’ll get shot for it around here, or the beating death of a young gay man under suspicious circumstances outside a fast-food place last year, or the relentless racist backlash against the NAACP and other civil rights groups.

In practice, on the two occasions I have had a yard sign advocating a black candidate in our front yard, either the sign or another part of our property was vandalized.

These kinds of threats are typically delivered by white men with guns, directed at people who are not white men with guns.

I want to say this is a cultural, bipartisan, non-political issue, but I don’t really believe that. There’s a large segment of the population that professes to believe that the government is getting too big and powerful, but thinks torturing people or imprisoning them for life without trial is OK if somebody with a government title says it is. They don’t want women to be able to take birth control pills because it might kill microscopic blastocysts, but see no reason to save the lives of

the 45,000 Americans who die every year due to lack of health insurance. They want to teach creationism and the Ten Commandments in public schools, but think giving kids in poor neighborhoods access to a useful education is just throwing money away. They want to cut food stamps for families because we need to watch out for the deficit, then cut taxes for multi-millionaires. They don’t want the government looking at right-wing paramilitary groups that stockpile ammo, but they do want the government raiding low-income Latino households in search of undocumented immigrants.

There’s a pattern to all these apparently contradictory policy positions: The tea party is about more freedom and power for the people it represents, and less freedom and power for everybody else—and through its ties with paramilitary and firearm-enthusiast groups, it is implicitly committed to the belief, articulated by Mao Tse-tung, that power flows from the barrel of a gun.

In practice, this isn’t really conservatism; it’s selfishness. One of Valle’s assailants wore a button on his shirt depicting the Gadsden flag: a rattlesnake with the caption “Don’t Tread On Me.” This flag, originally used during the American Revolution, was meant to depict the 13 colonies’ oppression under British law. But on the shirt of somebody who’s literally treading on a woman, and whose agenda represents trampling on the interests of women and anyone else who does not fit the narrow demographics of his movement, it sends a different message: “Don’t tread on me; tread on other, more historically oppressed groups of people instead.”

Whatever form this “save me, not them” attitude takes—and Maoism and Stalinism represented it as effectively as any right-wing movement ever has—it is always connected to a vision of the world that is rooted in selfishness, scarcity, competition and inevitably, violence.

Whatever candidate you vote for in the future, stand for the dignity of the human spirit, the personal freedom of conscience, and the common good. Don’t let the fasces scare you—or seduce you. Reject the politics of the curb-stomp in all of its forms.

Stand for something better.

Jackson native Tom Head is secretary of the Mississippi ACLU, writes About.com’s Guide to Civil Liberties, and is the author or co-author of 24 nonfiction books, including “Civil Liberties: A Beginner’s Guide” (2009).

In practice, this isn’t really conservatism; it’s selfishness.

CORRECTION: In “The Beauty of Horror,” (Volume 9, Issue 6), we inadvertently switched the names of the actors in the photo caption. Chad King played Dr. Frank-n-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Show,” and Blake Dailey played Brad. The Jackson Free Press apologizes for the error.

jacksonfreepress.com

Editor in Chief Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer

13

Courtesy evelyn rasCo

The Tragic Case of the Scott Sisters

by Ward Schaefer Evelyn Rasco, center, has raised her daughters’ six children and three grandchildren. With only an eighth-grade education, she has lobbied for their release for 16 years.

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November 3 - 9, 2010

amie and Gladys Scott arrived at the Mini Mart gas station on Highway 35 in Forest, Miss., sometime between 10:30 and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve 1993.

It was just after Johnny Ray Hayes and Mitchell Duckworth had stopped in to purchase beer and gas after getting off work at McCarty Farms. Hayes and Duckworth said later that they saw the Scott sisters arrive in a blue Oldsmobile.

At the Mini Mart, Gladys, then 19 and two years younger than her sister, approached the two men and asked for a ride to their parents’ home in the rural area of Hillsboro, a few miles north of Forest. The sisters say they had run out of gas, some accounts claim.

The two men agreed to let Jamie and Gladys ride with them, and the group set off in Hayes’ car. They stopped briefly at Oakdale Apartments near the McCarty Feed Mill, and headed north, taking a narrow country road.

At some point during the drive north, 14 Duckworth later claimed, he noticed a blue

Oldsmobile behind them and pointed it out to Hayes. What happened next is a matter of contention: Duckworth and Hayes say that the Scott sisters orchestrated a robbery on that back road and left in a car with their accomplices, three young men. Jamie maintains that Duckworth made unwanted sexual advances toward her. The sisters say that they left Hayes’ car and walked the half-mile to their father’s house.

The next day, deputies from the Scott County Sheriff ’s Department arrived at Jamie’s house with a warrant for her and Gladys’ arrest on robbery charges.

Ten months later, a Scott County jury found the sisters guilty of armed robbery and sentenced them each to double life sentences.

Their alleged co-conspirators, three then-teenagers known as “the Patrick boys,” took plea bargains—confessing to robbing Duckworth and Hayes—and testified against the sisters in return for lesser sentences. The Patrick boys all served no more than three years in jail.

For 16 years, the sisters have professed their innocence.

Young Mothers The arrest was a terrifying prospect for the sisters, neither of whom had prior criminal records, according to family members.

Jamie and Gladys were both young mothers.

Gladys lived with her 6-year-old daughter, Olivia, in the Oakdale Apartments in Forest. Jamie and her three children—Jamicce, 6, Terrence, 3, and Richard, 1—lived in a trailer in Hillsboro.

The Scott sisters grew up in Hillsboro, a seven-mile drive from the comparatively big town of Forest. According to their mother Evelyn Rasco, now 64, they were “high-spirited girls,” who loved to attend baseball games and fish fries in the country. When the sisters were younger, Rasco would occasionally take them fishing. Having grown up in Chicago, Rasco never grew tired of fishing, but her daughters preferred the social side and would complain about mosquitoes. On the first and third Sunday of every month, Jamie and Gladys sang with their mother in the Sylvester United Methodist Church choir.

Of the two, Jamie was the quieter one, a hard worker always willing to put

in extra hours for additional pay. She had undergone a tubal ligation six weeks before her arrest and was due to return to her job at a nearby chicken-processing plant after Christmas. Gladys was more fun-loving, Rasco says.

“Gladys was more of the type to drive somebody’s car—high-spirited and have a good time,” Rasco said. “Anyone that would let her drive, she would drive.”

Neither girl had finished high school, both having dropped out to make money and care for their children. Jamie worked on the production line at a nearby chickenprocessing plant, while Gladys worked at Hardee’s.

In a 2002 affidavit, Jamie Scott said that the encounter with Hayes and Duckworth actually took place a day earlier than was stated in the sisters’ indictment and trial. On Dec. 23, she had run out of gas for the heater in her trailer. After taking her children to her parents’ house, Jamie and Gladys went to the Mini Mart to buy some items for the children. There, Jamie’s car failed to start, and Gladys approached Hayes and Duckworth to ask for a ride

“(T)hey said if I didn’t participate with them, they would send me to Parchman and make me out to be a female,” Howard told Alexander on cross-examination.

Alexander asked him if he meant that the sheriff ’s deputies had implied that he would be raped at Parchman. “Yes, sir,” Howard said.

Despite signing the statement Dec. 30, 1993, Howard remained in jail for 10 months until the Scott sisters’ trial.

Masterminding a Hold-Up? Gregory Patrick also testified that the sisters had planned the robbery. He claimed that Chris handed Gladys the shotgun

Jamie Scott, pictured here in an undated family photo, was 23 when she received a life sentence. She’s now 38 and suffering from kidney failure. the Mini Mart, Jamie and Gladys asked the Patrick boys to follow Hayes’ car. At the Oakdale Apartments, they said the same thing. At The Cow Pasture, they gave the full plan, Howard said.

Both Howard and Gregory testified as part of plea bargains.

In return for testifying against the Scott sisters, the Scott County DA’s office allowed them to plead guilty to strong-armed robbery for sentences of eight years. In trial testimony, Howard said that he had no lawyer present when he signed the statement handed him by the Sheriff ’s Department.

They were not his words; in fact, he hadn’t even read it. Marvin Williams and another deputy, Jerry McNeece, had told him that he would be released the next morning if he cooperated, he said.

while he searched Hayes’ car.

Gregory’s testimony introduced another wrinkle in the prosecution’s story, however. When Gladys stopped Johnny Ray Hayes’ car outside Hillsboro, the Patrick boys could see some kind of activity in the backseat, where Jamie and Mitchell Duckworth were sitting.

“Jamie and the guy in the back was like fighting, or whatever, struggling,” Gregory said during direct examination from Turner. “We didn’t know what was going on, and they stopped the car.”

Gregory said that he and his cousins got out of the car to talk to Hayes and Duckworth about the commotion.

In his closing argument, Alexander honed in on Gregory’s description and suggested that Duckworth was getting “friend-

lier in the backseat than Jamie Scott wanted him to.” Alexander also noted a number of discrepancies between the statements that prosecution witnesses gave the sheriff’s department and their testimony at trial.

Hayes did not tell the sheriff’s department that he saw the sisters arrive at the Mini Mart in a blue Oldsmobile, Alexander pointed out. Nor did his statement mention that he saw Gladys and Jamie get back in the car with his assailants.

Moreover, Alexander argued, why did Duckworth and Hayes not ask the sisters about the blue car following them, if it was the same one they arrived in?

The jury, composed of seven white and five black members, returned a verdict shortly thereafter, finding Jamie and Gladys guilty of two counts of armed robbery each.

State law allows juries to find a life sentence for armed robbery, and the Scott sisters’ jury did so.

They sent the young women to prison for the rest of their lives. Gladys, pregnant at the time, would give birth to her second child shackled to a hospital bed. Jamie and Gladys are now in their 16th year of incarceration in the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County.

Prosecutors never provided an exact amount of money that the robbery allegedly netted. Even testimony by the alleged victims leaves the matter vague. Hayes testified that he had cashed two paychecks and was carrying “about two hundred something dollars” in his wallet. Duckworth told the court that he “didn’t have much money in (his) wallet. Really, nothing, probably.”

Howard Patrick testified that his portion of the robbery’s take was between $9 and $11.

The Sisters’ Version The sisters appealed their convictions.

Alexander began work on the appeal, but in February 1996, the Mississippi Supreme Court suspended him from practicing law for six months for providing inadequate representation. A tribunal of the Mississippi Bar later extended that suspension to two years, and Alexander was subsequently permanently disbarred. Alexander referred the sisters to Jackson attorney (and current Jackson City Councilman) Chokwe Lumumba.

Coincidentally, Lumumba would later have his own run-in with the sisters’ trial judge, Marcus Gordon. A 2001 spat with the judge in Gordon’s Leake County courtroom nearly led to Lumumba being disbarred.

When he took over the Scott sisters’ appeal in 1996, Lumumba was limited to arguing that there had been legal errors in Jamie and Gladys’ original trial. The Court of Appeals denied their appeal Dec. 17, 1996. In 1998, Lumumba contacted Chris Patrick, the only one of the Patrick boys to not testify during the Scott’s trial. In a signed affidavit, Chris maintained that the two young women had nothing to do with SCOTT SISTERS, see page 16

jacksonfreepress.com

Robbers’ Plea Bargain The Scott sisters hired two attorneys, Firnist Alexander Jr. and Gail Shaw-Pierson, to represent them in Scott County Circuit Court. On Oct. 3, 1994, they appeared before longtime Circuit Judge Marcus Gordon, known for presiding over the 2006 trial and conviction of former Klansman Edgar Ray Killen in Neshoba County.

The trial transcript offers only a piecemeal glimpse of the alleged crime. The sisters did not testify in their own defense, and Alexander and Pierson did not offer a complete, competing version of the night of the robbery.

Both Duckworth and Hayes testified for the prosecution, saying that they had seen Jamie and Gladys arrive at the Mini Mart in the same blue Oldsmobile that later followed them and carried their assailants. The two men, who are cousins, also testified that they saw the Scott sisters leave the robbery scene in the Oldsmobile. Neither man saw the sisters hold a weapon during the robbery.

In Duckworth’s and Hayes’ version of the incident, the group stopped at The Cow Pasture, a club in Hillsboro, after Jamie and Gladys asked to go to the bathroom. Outside the club, the two women approached the occupants of the blue Oldsmobile.

Returning to the car, Gladys asked to drive, and Hayes consented. When Jamie began to complain of feeling sick, Hayes asked Gladys to pull onto the shoulder, where the blue Oldsmobile stopped behind them. The sisters got out, and then, according to court testimony, a man pointed a shotgun through the passenger’s-side window and ordered Hayes and Duckworth out of the car and onto the ground.

Hayes and Duckworth testified later that their wallets were stolen, along with anywhere from $11 to $200.

After taking statements from Hayes and Duckworth, Scott County sheriff’s deputy Marvin Williams returned to the scene and found Hayes’ wallet, with cards but no cash.

On cross-examination by Alexander, though, both men admitted to having purchased beer at the Mini Mart. Duckworth, who had three previous DUI arrests on his record, claimed that neither opened their beers or began drinking until after they

reached Hillsboro, when Gladys started driving. Hayes acknowledged that he opened a 24-ounce Budweiser and drank about half of it.

The linchpin in the prosecution’s case was testimony by Howard and Gregory Patrick. Howard, then 14, took the stand first. He told Turner that he had arrived at the Mini Mart with his brother, Chris, his cousin, Gregory, and the Scott sisters, who were friends of theirs. He testified that Gladys conceived of the robbery and told the Patrick boys to follow Hayes’ car until Jamie feigned sickness.

The sisters gave him and his cousins instructions three times, Howard said. At

Courtesy evelyn rasCo

back to Hillsboro. The two men helped push Jamie’s car a short distance to the Oakdale Apartments, and the group set off for Hillsboro in Hayes’ car.

In her affidavit, Jamie claimed that Duckworth began touching her as they rode in the backseat. Still nauseous from her surgery, she asked him to stop and then told Gladys to pull over. They stopped near The Cow Pasture, a nightclub, where the sisters asked another group of men for a ride but were told they would have to wait.

Jamie and Gladys set off again with Hayes and Duckworth. When Duckworth repeated his advances, Jamie began screaming and asked Gladys to stop. As the sisters walked home, they saw another car approach Hayes’ vehicle, Jamie claimed.

15

SCOTT SISTERS, from page 15

Ward Schaefer

After handling the Scott sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appeals until 2000, Chokwe Lumumba rejoined their case this year. He spearheaded a Sept. 15 rally for their freedom at the state Capitol.

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found a wallet containing $60 and some cards belonging to Mitchell Duckworth, Shepard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Deputy) Marvin (Murls) said, looking directly at me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If this gets back to Hillsboro â&#x20AC;Ś you are going to ride Buddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truck.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This meant he was going to send me to Parchman,â&#x20AC;? Shepard said.

Despite the new evidence, this second petition was unsuccessful, too. The Scott sisters had exhausted their options in court.

Lumumba then turned to then-Gov. Ronnie Musgrove. In 2000, he sent a petition for pardon to Musgroveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. The petition included the new evidence in the Chris Patrick, Lofton and Shepard affidavits, along with the sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; earlier challenges to evidence in their original trial. The request also including a new line of argument: Why should the sisters serve double life sentences when their alleged co-conspirators, the Patricks, served only two to three years of their eight-year sentences? â&#x20AC;&#x153;(T)he question becomes whether these two women should have been sentenced to such harsh punishments for crimes that they clearly did not commit,â&#x20AC;?

Lumumba wrote.

Musgrove denied the pardon request.

A Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Determination The denied pardon request was a setback, but only a brief one for the Scott sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mother, Evelyn Rasco.

Rasco did not attend the trial; she stayed at home in Hillsboro with her children while her husband, James â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hawkâ&#x20AC;?

Rasco, dealt with the sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attorneys.

In 2000, after the pardon request failed, she left Hillsboro, in part to separate from James Rasco, who died in 2003. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just wanted to leave,â&#x20AC;? Rasco said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was having a lot of personal problems.

I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel safe there, and I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accomplishing anything there, as far as helping Jamie and Gladys in the state of Mississippi.

I felt (that) if I went a little further, I could get help for them.â&#x20AC;?

Rasco moved to Pensacola, Fla., where her son Willie, who has served in the Army courteSy MiSSiSSippi departMent of correctionS

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the robbery; they did not profit from it, nor were they even aware of the plans, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prior to the trial of Gladys and Jamie Scott, Deputy Marvin Williams of the Scott County Sheriff (sic) Department told me and my brother Howard in my presence that we would serve life sentences in Parchman Prison if we did not agree to testify against Gladys and Jamie Scott, and if we did not agree to testify that both women took part in planning for and setting up the robbery of Duckworth and Hayes,â&#x20AC;? Chris Patrick stated in the affidavit.

With that new evidence, Lumumba filed a petition for post-conviction relief with the state Supreme Court. He also drew on two other affidavits from Lisa Lofton and Willie Shepard. Both affidavits, taken in the summer of 1996, cast doubt on the Scottsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guilt. Lofton, who was in the Scott County jail in 1994 along with the Patricks, said that she often spoke to Howard Patrick through his cell window while outdoors on a smoke break. Howard told her that there had been no robbery and that nobody knew what happened to Hayesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wallet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Howard said he was sure that they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anything to do with it. Howard said he felt bad about Jamie and Gladys receiving two life sentences because they really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anything to do with what happened,â&#x20AC;? Lofton said in her affidavit.

Willie Shepard was a prison trusty at the Scott County jail in 1994. A few days after the Christmas Eve incident, two sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputies took Shepard and other trusties to The Cow Pasture to search for evidence. Another trusty, Melvin Gilbert,

Gladys Scott was 20 when she received two life sentences for armed robbery.

SCOTT SISTERS, see page 19

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November 3 - 9, 2010

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Jamie (right) has been granted permission to visit her family for three funerals. The Department of Corrections has denied her request for medical release, however. said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work that way at all.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sisters I Never Hadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Around the end of 2006, Lockhart and Rasco changed their strategy. Jamie had always insisted that publicity and public outcry were essential to getting the sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; release. Because mainstream media had ignored her letters, Lockhart took the case to the Internet.

She started a page on the (then-free) social-networking site ning.com, which allows users to establish networks around specific shared interests. Lockhart estimates that she joined nearly 200 different ning networks. She also pitched users on blogtalkradio.com, a free platform for hosting podcasts and talk-radio style call-in shows.

Guest posts on Web magazines like BlackCommentator.com followed. From individual bloggers, the sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; story spread to more established alternative media: black newspapers like The Jackson Advocate and the San Francisco Bay View; Rip Daniels, a radio host whose shows broadcast in Jackson, on the Gulf Coast and in Birmingham, Ala.; and the Nation of Islamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspaper, The Final Call.

More recently, even bigger media personalities have publicized the case: James Ridgeway, a blogger for Mother Jones magazine; the Huffington Post; and recently, New York Times columnist Bob Herbert, who blasted Gov. Haley Barbour for being willing to pardon a string of woman-killers (as the Jackson Free Press first investigated and reported in 2008) but not the Scott Sisters.

The prosecutor in the sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; case, Ken Turner, has since been quoted in USA Today and other papers as saying that while he believes the sisters are guilty, he feels that some relief for their situation is â&#x20AC;&#x153;appropriate.â&#x20AC;?

On a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free the Scott Sistersâ&#x20AC;? blog, set up in January 2009 by another activist, Rasco posted calls for letter-writing camSCOTT SISTERS, see page 20

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jacksonfreepress.com

for 29 years, lived. There, she has raised Jamie and Gladysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; five children, along with four grandchildren.

For 16 years, Rasco has conducted a largely solo campaign to free her daughters.

Immediately after their conviction, she began writing letters to every law school and activist organization she could find, pleading her daughtersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; case. She focused much of her attention on Operation PUSH, which she knew about because of founder Rev. Jesse Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civil-rights activism.

For 11 years, her letters to Jackson went unanswered. In 2005, she switched tactics, and addressed her pleas to Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson III. The congressmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office transferred one of Rascoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letters to Operation PUSH, where a staffer named Nancy Lockhart intercepted it.

Lockhart, who was studying for a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in jurisprudence at Loyola University at the time, decided to write back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her letter, compared to the others I received, just felt sincere,â&#x20AC;? Lockhart said.

Lockhart acquired a copy of the trial transcript, which she felt confirmed Rascoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is something that I believed in,â&#x20AC;? Lockhart said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The transcripts rather slap you in the face.â&#x20AC;?

More than any one other person, Lockhart is responsible for bringing light to Jamie and Gladysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plight, Rasco says. With her legal training, Lockhart could communicate the details of the Scott sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; case.

While determined and poised, Rasco has only an eighth-grade education and knows very little about computers.

Lockhart notified Operation PUSH officials about the Scott sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; case, but Rascoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter â&#x20AC;&#x153;fell through the cracks,â&#x20AC;? she said. She wrote more lettersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to newspapers and radio stations, to the Innocence Project, to a former judge who expressed interest but then fell terminally illâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but they went largely unanswered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Initially I felt, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh, a couple letters to the major papers, an attorney, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be out shortly,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Lockhart

19

SCOTT SISTERS, from page 15

November 3 - 9, 2010

Running Out of Time The length of the sisters’ incarceration has changed, or expanded, the nature of the injustice Rasco and Lockhart have been protesting. Perversely, the longer Jamie and Gladys Scott have been in prison, the more outrageous their sentence seems. The question of whether the sisters were wrongfully convicted in the first place has become somewhat secondary: Regardless of their guilt or innocence, the sisters are long past due for their freedom, supporters now argue.

At the Sept. 15 rally, the focus of most

20

speakers and attendees was on the length of the sisters’ sentence, not on their guilt or innocence. “All we’re saying is (to) follow the spirit of the law,” Jackson Municipal Judge Ali ShamsidDeen told the crowd. “Even if they were guilty, where is common sense and decency?”

As her daughter’s incarceration has stretched on, Rasco has found herself advo-

like a cold-blooded murderer when she never even touched anyone.”

Prison staff then instructed Gladys that she needed to sign over custody of Courtney to her mother or her newborn daughter would revert to state custody. The inability to bond with her daughter hurt Gladys deeply, Rasco says, making her “bitter” and “depressed.”

Ward Schaefer

paigns and updates on her daughters’ case.

“People started e-mailing me from Maine, from Greece, from Africa, from the United Kingdom,” Rasco said. “Their story has been over in the United Kingdom for years.”

Rasco suspects that the Internet campaign has been so successful because it reached beyond Scott County and Mississippi.

“What people who don’t know about Scott County is (that) you have to do whatever those officials want you to do,” she said. “If you don’t, then you’re in trouble.”

Now, Rasco’s call for her daughters’ release is buoyed by the voices of African American bloggers, Mississippi politicians and advocacy organizations like the NAACP and ACLU. On Sept. 15, hundreds of supporters marched down Farish Street to a rally at the state Capitol. Chanting “Haley Barbour, can’t you see? / Scott Sisters must be free,” protesters cheered speeches by state senators, Jackson city council members and civil-rights activists.

The Mississippi Immigrant Rights Alliance and Mississippi Workers Alliance for Human Rights pledged their support for the sisters’ cause.

“Me and Nancy, we kept building the network up bigger and bigger,” Rasco said.

The woman Rasco calls “my angel” has never actually met the Scott Sisters or their mother. Lockhart works in contract compliance and splits her time between South Carolina and New York. She dreams of saving enough money to visit Jamie and Gladys, whom she calls “the sisters I’ve never had.”

Word of the Scott sisters’ case spread first through blogs and alternative media sources, but attention has increased dramatically with Jamie’s health problems. cating for more than freedom. Prison medical care in the state system has become, at times, the chief focus of Rasco’s organizing, more so than even the sisters’ release. Gladys, who was pregnant when she entered prison in 1994, gave birth to her second daughter, Courtney Scott, on April 20. She gave birth at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; as is customary, prison staff rushed her there once she went into labor.

Gladys had only two days with her newborn daughter. She remained in shackles throughout, chained to the bed even during labor.

“She was chained to the bed just like an animal,” Rasco said. “She was treated

Lockhart’s efforts took on new urgency when Jamie was diagnosed with kidney failure. Jamie had been suffering from undiagnosed diabetes, and her condition worsened dramatically in prison.

On Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, Gladys called her mother to inform her that both of Jamie’s kidneys had shut down and that she was in the prison’s intensive care unit.

A post on the “Free the Scott Sisters” blog followed almost immediately, asking the sisters’ supporters to call, fax and e-mail prison superintendent Margaret Bingham, state prison commissioner Chris Epps and other administrators.

That Friday, MDOC moved Jamie to

the Central Mississippi Medical Center in Raymond, where doctors inserted a shunt into her arm so that she could begin dialysis. Hours after Gladys called her mother with the news, another blog post went up: “The outpouring of love that was showered on Jamie and Mrs. Rasco from around the world was truly incredible, fantastic and wonderful; thank you doesn’t begin to express the gratitude that this family feels for what you’ve accomplished.

Mrs. Rasco wants everyone who called, faxed or e-mailed to know that it was due to your ceaseless efforts that this happened, and she is very, very grateful to each and everyone(sic) of you that participated in this call to action!”

Jamie returned to prison soon after the operation. She receives dialysis about three times a week, but the machines are frequently broken, according to Rasco and the “Free the Scott Sisters” blog. Since being diagnosed with kidney failure, Jamie has suffered periodic medical crises—fits of vomiting and infections. Each time, a call from the prison prompted an urgent call for action on blogs and, often, some additional degree of medical care.

Perversely, Jamie’s medical problems brought a dramatic increase in attention to the sisters’ imprisonment, which has in turn given them their best chance of some relief since their first request for clemency and post-conviction petitions.

The Way Out Chokwe Lumumba, now a Ward 2 councilman in Jackson, largely ended his involvement with the Scott sisters’ case after the unsuccessful 2000 petition for a pardon or commutation of their sentences. When supporters called him after Jamie’s January hospitalization, though, he returned.

Lumumba first filed a request for a medical release for Jamie, which MDOC denied after some delay. He then submitted a separate request for the prison to allow a private doctor to see Jamie. MDOC has yet to respond to the request.

If necessary, the sisters’ supporters are

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SCOTT SISTERS, from page 20

Courtesy evelyn rasCo

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A petition for pardon is currently the best hope for release for Jamie (pictured center) and Gladys Scott. prepared to file a civil suit against MDOC demanding medical relief for Jamie, Lumumba said. Before taking their efforts to the courts once again, though, Lumumba and other supporters resolved to seek a governor’s pardon once again.

“We decided that one of the things that we should try—before we increase the level of hostility—is to try to do the governor’s petition again, since this governor had nothing to do with the denial of the last petition,” Lumumba said.

To add weight behind the petition, Lumumba and others planned the Sept. 15 rally at the state Capitol. Lumumba delivered the petition to Barbour’s office Sept. 14, then met with the governor’s staff the day of the rally. This time, the petition seems to have gotten some traction.

Days after the rally, on Sept. 20, an investigator from the state Parole Board visited Jamie and Gladys in jail. Because Parole Board investigations are not associated with the court system, they do not need to involve prisoners’ attorneys. Lumumba believes that the governor is seeking a recommendation from the Parole Board on a possible pardon, though he can’t be certain.

“They (the governor’s office) haven’t

69,500

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

specifically told us that, but that’s what we think,” he said.

Although they’re grateful for his recent work, Lumumba’s 10-year absence from the case is a sore point with Rasco and Lockhart.

Lumumba says that he had run out of legal remedies by 2000. Publicity efforts for the sisters’ have only increased since then, he says.

“Unfortunately, the impact of them getting those double life sentences was not as great then as it is now, for (publicity) purposes,” Lumumba said.

“We did do a little, but certainly not as much as folks have done since then to call attention to it. People don’t understand what that means until you start serving all that time. I think it had more of an impact at this time, that they’d been in there for 16 years. People saw that the time was serious, the situation was serious.”

If the pending clemency petition fails, Lumumba sees few options for getting the sisters released before 2014, when they are first eligible for parole. (Even that parole date is tenuous: prisoners rarely receive parole on their first opportunity.)

The sisters could file another petition for post-conviction relief, but only if their

lawyers can produce new evidence.

“We will need to find those other two men (Howard and Gregory Patrick) and produce from them signed affidavits,” Lumumba said. “That would be newly discovered evidence.”

A post-conviction petition could also challenge the legality or constitutionality of their sentences. The problem with that tactic, Lumumba says, is that state law specifically provides for a life sentence in robberies that involve a firearm.

Even a constitutional challenge could be tricky. Few supreme court rulings at the state or federal level have found a prison sentence that is statutorily acceptable to be unconstitutional. Lumumba said it could be possible to challenge the sisters’ sentences on the grounds that they are cruel and unusual—as compared to those for their alleged co-conspirators, the Patrick boys.

Regardless of the tactics, Evelyn Rasco will keep advocating for her daughters.

“One thing Scott County did not know: When they took my daughters’ lives, they committed me to fight ‘til the day I die or until they are released,” Rasco said.

“By Scott County doing what they did to my daughters, they gave me the energy to fight.”

Action alerts still appear regularly on the “Free the Scott Sisters” blog, urging people to contact the prison when Jamie’s health deteriorates. An Oct. 25 post warns that Jamie continues to suffer headaches, though a 5day stretch of vomiting earlier in the month has stopped.

Jamie’s condition and her need for the kidney transplant that Gladys has offered casts a pall over their future.

“If she should die, it’s going to cost (the state) thousands of dollars to defend it, and if they lose, it could cost them a million dollars,” Lumumba said.

“Her medical condition has been a roller coaster, and if it hadn’t been for my supporters, she’d be dead by now,” Rasco said.

For the moment, though, Jamie and Gladys’ hundreds of supporters are holding their collective breath, as the sisters’ best shot at freedom in years sits on Haley Barbour’s desk.

Comment on this story at www.jfp.ms.

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Jackson 2000 November Luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 10 - 11:45 am-1:00 pm at The Mississippi Arts Center in Downtown Jackson

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Beth Orlansky, Advocacy Director at Mississippi Center for Justice

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Lunch catered by Broad Street Bakery; $12/per person cash or check.

Members and non-members encouraged to attend and bring guests.

Register at www.jackson2000.org or RSVP to Todd Stauffer by e-mail: todd@jacksonfreepress.com.

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The Head of State

by Holly Perkins NATALIE COLLIER; WRIJOYA ROY

In front of the Richard McKey Studio in Fondren stood a recognizable form— President Barack Obama—until it wasn’t anymore.

before>> McKey says there isn’t any symbolism or significance for changing the Obama head to its current, more cartoonish state. “If there is, I don’t know what it is. I just wanted to change it. And to me, it’s more of a mask. It’s been put over his face. But I don’t know. I’m not real sure what it means. I’m waiting for someone to explain it to me.”

The artist goes on to say: “I don’t interpret my art; I let other people interpret it for themselves. And sometimes I go along with their interpretation.”

Artists have myriad responsibilities. Some of them report what’s happening, some respond, and others inspire change. Still others, like McKey, simply obey their creativity and leave artistic interpretation up to their audiences. Whatever their intention, Theresa Bayer, a Texas artist known for her political caricatures, says artists cannot avoid being political.

“Artists are the proverbial canaries in the coal mine,” she says. “When we stop singing, it’s a sure sign of repressive times ahead.”

25 In these political times, there’s plenty to sing about. jacksonfreepress.com

A

s long as there have been politics, there has been political art. From ancient times to modern, political art has found its place in society. Bansky—the unidentified but infamous graffiti artist—has tagged his political statements across England and other parts of the world making unequivocal statements with his drawings.

Take, for example, his message in the Bristol Zoo: “I want out. This place is too cold.

Keeper smells. Boring, boring, boring.”

A Brooklyn man dubbed “Poster Boy,” aka the “Matisse of the Subway,” among city dwellers produces cut-and-paste posters that often express the frustrations of others who are never heard, much like the piece Poster Boy dedicated to Sean Bell, a New York man slain by plainclothes and undercover police officers.

And then there’s Jackson’s own Richard McKey. In front of McKey’s studio on North State Street, an artistic rendering of President Barack Obama once stood, its wire frame wrapped with a tawny brown, slightly weathered material. But once, the head was life-like.

Now, a few people have said it looks like a caricature in its current incarnation.

DIVERSIONS|books

by Jere Nash

Back to the Source

A Freelance Writers The Jackson Free Press is seeking freelance writers to write insightful, informative and creative articles in the areas of:

Please send your resume, writing samples and specific story ideas to: assistant@jacksonfreepress.com

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ber of speeches made before, during and immediately after the war. They all embody a single theme: the need to protect the institution of slavery. On April 29, 1861, Jefferson Davis delivered one of the most important speeches of the time, when he urged the Confederate Congress to adopt the proposed Confederate Constitution. The speech was a long one, though clearly Davis felt the need to lay out in great detail the historical events that led to secession. The entire speech was about slavery.

In this excerpt, Davis took great pains to defend the practice: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the mild and genial climate of the Southern States and the increasing care and attention for the well-being and comfort of the laboring classes, dictated alike by interest and humanity, the African slaves had augmented in number from about 600,000 at the date of the adoption of the constitutional compact to upward of 4,000,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In moral and social condition they had been elevated from brutal savages into docile, intelligent and civilized agricultural laborers, and supplied not only with bodily comforts but with careful religious instruction. Under the supervision of a superior race their labor had been so directed â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

What comes across after reading the

documents Loewen and Sebesta have compiled is the clear sense that southern leaders were proud of what they had accomplished on the backs of millions of slaves. They had convinced themselves that white was superior to black, even ordained and blessed by God. One southern leader the authors didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t includeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I assume for reasons of spaceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was the Mississippi governor who took his state into the Confederacy: John Pettus.

Soon after Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election, Pettus convened a special session of the Legislature on Nov. 26, 1860, to urge secession: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have convened you in extraordinary session, to take into consideration the greatest and most solemn question that ever engaged the attention of any Legislative body on this Continent â&#x20AC;Ś The existence or abolition of African slavery in the Southern States is now up for a final settlement before that tribunal which has exclusive jurisdictionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the people of the Southern States where it exists.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Confederate and Neo-Confederate Readerâ&#x20AC;? serves another useful purpose. It uses speeches, letters and other documents from the years after the war to demonstrate how southerners began to supplant slavery with other, more noble issues as they went about the business of glorifying â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lost Cause.â&#x20AC;?

The willingness of professional historians, textbook publishers and history teachers to accommodate that masquerade was not their finest hour.

Fabulous Beats Reality

A

mericans prefer myth to history, asserts Jacksonian and Hinds Community College history professor Benjamin Cloyd. In a new book examining the realities of prisoner-of-war camps during the Civil War, Cloyd shows how our preference for fables inhibits a candid assessment of the evils committed during the Civil War and beyond. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Haunted by Atrocity: Civil War Prisons in American Memoryâ&#x20AC;? (Louisiana State University Press, 2010, $37.50) â&#x20AC;&#x153;offers a cautionary tale of how Americans, for generations, have unconsciously constructed their recollections of painful events in ways that protect cherished ideals of myth, meaning, identity, and, ultimately, a deeply rooted faith in American exceptionalism,â&#x20AC;? the publisher states.

Benjamin Cloyd reads and signs â&#x20AC;&#x153;Haunted by Atrocityâ&#x20AC;? at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., 601-366-7619) Thursday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.

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bout this time 150 years ago, Abraham Lincoln was elected president, an event so fraught with peril for southerners that within months, 11 states had seceded from the Union. While the cause of that secession was clear to everyone back in 1860 and 1861, the topic provokes all kinds of argument and disagreement today.

Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent experience in trying to resolve this question came in the spring of 2001 when voters went to the polls to determine the status of the state flag. People from all walks of life stood up in public hearings in all parts of the state and argued that preservation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rightsâ&#x20AC;? was the reason for secession and, of course, the Civil War. To bring clarity to this subject, James W. Loewen and Edward H. Sebesta have done what historians do bestâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they returned to the resolutions, speeches, letters and other documents that were produced at the time of secession. More than 100 are included in their new book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Confederate and Neo-Confederate Reader: The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Great Truthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; About the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lost Causeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? (University Press of Mississippi, 2010, $55). The key documents are the articles of secession each state adopted to justify its departure from the Union.

Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is quite clear: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the momentous step which our State has taken of dissolving its connection with the government of which we so long formed a part, it is but just that we should declare the prominent reasons which have induced our course. Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery, the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of the commerce of the earth.

These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization.â&#x20AC;?

Loewen and Sebesta also include a num-

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BEST BETS November 3 - 10

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

Courtesy Kelli sharpe

Former Mississippi first lady Elise Winter speaks during “History is Lunch” at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.) at noon. Bring a lunch; call 601-576-6998. … Sherman Lee Dillon performs during the blues lunch at F. Jones Corner at noon. Free. … Ken Murphy signs copies of “Mississippi: State of Blues” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 44 65 Interstate 55 N.). $59.95 book; call 601-366-7619. … The play “The Miracle Worker” at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.) is at 7:30 p.m. with shows through Nov. 7. $25, $22 seniors/students; call 601-9483533. … Eddie Cotton performs at Underground 119. $20. … Jesse “Guitar” Smith performs at Burgers & Blues from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call 601-899-0038.

R. Lynch St.) is at 7:30 p.m. with shows through Nov. 9. $10, $5 students; call 601-979-5956. … Amazin’ Lazy Boi and the Sunset Challenge Blues Band perform at F. Jones Corner from 11:30 p.m.-4:30 a.m. Call 601-983-1148.

Friday 11/5

Marshall Chapman signs copies of “They Came to Nashville” and celebrates her CD release at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.) at 5:30 p.m. $25 book; call 601-366-7619. … The SCLC-MIRA’s Evening of Unity at Cabot Lodge Millsaps (2375 N. State St.) at 6 p.m. includes entertainment by The Movement Dance Company and DJ Phingaprint. $20.10; call 601-968-5182 to RSVP. …

Jedi Clampett performs at Underground 119 at 9 p.m. Call 601-352-2322. … The Chance Fisher Band plays at Martin’s at 10 p.m. Call 601-354-9712. … Darryl Worley performs at Fire at 10:30 p.m. $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door; call 601-592-1000 or 800-745-3000.

NAMIWalks for the Mind of America at Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace) steps off at 9 a.m.

Donations welcome; call 600-899-9058. Join the JFP team at nami.org/namiwalks10/MIS/jfp2010. … Outdoor and Heritage Day at the Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland) begins at 9 a.m. Free admission; call 601856-7546. … Off the Leash for Epilepsy at Lakeshore Park (Lakeshore Drive, Brandon) at 11 a.m. includes music by David Schommer and the Jackson All-Stars. $5, $3 students, kids 5 and under free; call 601-936-5222. … The Mississippi Opera presents “Passion and Fireworks” at Belhaven University Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. $25; call 601-960-2300. …

The Colonels play at Reed Pierce’s at 9 p.m. Free.

The Old Farmers’ Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.) is closing for the season. Call 601-354-0529 or VH1 Celebrity Fit Club’s Sgt. Harvey Walden IV speaks at the Community Reinvestment Awards Banquet at the Jackson Medical Mall Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.

The Mistletoe Marketplace opens at 11 a.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) and continues through Nov. 6. $10, $5 children/seniors, $20 weekend pass; call 888-324-0027. … Fondren After 5 is from 5-8 p.m. Free; call 601-981-9606. … Sgt. Harvey Walden IV speaks at the Community Reinvestment Awards Banquet at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.) at 6 p.m. $75, $650 table of 10; call 601-982-8467, ext. 12. … The Songwriters Showcase at Union Street Books (107 N. Union St., Canton) is from 7-9 p.m. Free. … The English viol consort Fretwork performs at St. James Episcopal Church (3921 Oakridge Drive) at 7:30 p.m. $25. … The play “A Lesson Before Dying” at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 John

Mississippi Murder Mysteries presents “The Case of the Birthday Surprise” at Olga’s (4670 Interstate 55 N.) at 7 p.m. $40; call 601-668-2214. … The Monday Night Football Mixer at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.) is at 7 p.m. Free admission; call 601-979-3994. … The Central Mississippi Blues Society Jam at Hal & Mal’s is from 8-11 p.m. $5.

The New Vibrations Network Gathering at Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.) is from 6:30-8 p.m. E-mail newvibrations2003@hotmail. com. … Ralph Miller performs at Burgers & Blues from 6-9 p.m. Call 601-899-0038. … The Pub Quiz at Hal & Mal’s is at 8 p.m. Call 601-948-0888. … Open-mic at Fenian’s at 9 p.m. Free.

Wednesday 11/10

The Harvest Festival at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive) kicks off at 9 a.m. and continues through Nov. 13. $5, $3 children ages 5-18; call 601-713-3365. … Sam Brookes talks about Native American mounds during “History is Lunch” at the Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.) at noon. Bring a lunch; call 601-576-6998.

More events and details at jfpevents.com.

Country star Darryl Worley performs at Fire Nov. 5 at 10:30 p.m.

Courtesy JessiCa BereK

Thursday 11/4

Monday 11/8

Tuesday 11/9

saTurday 11/6

sunday 11/7

601-353-1633 to see what’s available. … Knight Bruce plays during brunch at Sophia’s, Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.) at 11 a.m. Call 601-948-3429. … See the film “Aida” at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) at 2 p.m. Free; call 601-960-2300. … The ZeeDub & Ulogy CD Release party is at Dreamz Jxn. Visit zeedubb. bandcamp.com.

jacksonfreepress.com

Wednesday 11/3

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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 from noon-1 p.m., where they discuss vital issues and play local music. This week’s guests is LaVonne Whitehead, who will talk about NAMIWalks. Listen to podcasts of all shows at jfpradio.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17.

Young Leaders in Philanthropy Emerging Leaders Conference Nov. 4-5, at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). The theme is “Mobilizing the Creative Class of Today for Action and Advocacy.”

Brian Bordainick, executive director of Ninth Ward Field of Dreams, is the featured speaker. Registration and check-in is from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 4, and the conference is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 5. $149; call 601-918-5001 or 601-441-1889.

Fondren After 5 Nov 4, 5 p.m., in Fondren. This monthly event showcases the local shops, galleries and restaurants of the Fondren neighborhood. Free; call 601-981-9606. spellBOUND, SPELLdown Nov. 4, 7 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The adult spelling bee is part of the YLP Emerging Leaders Conference. Proceeds benefit Imaginary Library, a nationwide, early education and literacy initiative supported by the Dollywood Foundation. $5; e-mail sharla@youngleadersinphilanthropy.com. Come cheer the JFP team to victory!

FORMCities Symposium on the Future of Midsized Cities Nov. 5-6, at Jackson Community Design Center (509 E. Capitol St.). The keynote speaker is architect and Virginia Tech professor Susan Piedmont-Palladino. Registration is required; student discounts are available. Hours are 8 a.m.6 p.m. Nov. 5 and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 6. An awards dinner will be held Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. $75, $40 one day, $50 awards dinner; visit caad.msstate.edu/jcdc.

“See Yourself” BOOM Fashion Show Nov. 12, 7 p.m., at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). The first annual show, presented by BOOM Jackson, will feature models wearing attire from Jackson shops and boutiques, and a silent auction of fashionthemed baskets. Check-in and a cocktail reception will be held before the show at 6:15 p.m. in the courtyard, and a VIP after-party with music by DJ Phingaprint takes place after the event at 8:15 p.m.

Still needed: sponsors, chic silent-auction items and swag. Proceeds benefit Dress for Success Metro Jackson. $50; e-mail shannon@boomjackson.com. See boomfashionshow.com for more.

Community Mistletoe Marketplace Nov. 3-6, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). Find the perfect holiday gift at this annual market, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Shopping hours are 11 a.m.9 p.m. Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 5 and 9 a.m.5 p.m. Nov. 6. Visit mistletoemarketplace.com for more info. $10, $5 children and seniors, $20 weekend pass; call 888-324-0027.

November 3 - 9, 2010

“Save the Turkey” Shoot Nov. 3, 10 a.m., at Capitol Gun Club (1622 Capitol Gun Club Road). The Clinton Community Development Foundation is the host. Proceeds benefit the Annual Fund, and lunch and ammunition will be provided. $500 team of five; call 601-924-0102.

30

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

• Parents for Public Schools Lunch Bunch Nov. 3, 11:45 a.m., in the Community Meeting Room. The topic is “Creating a College-Going Culture.” Presenters include Heather Roberts of the Education Services Foundation and Murrah High School principal Freddrick Murray. An RSVP is required. $5 lunch; call 601-969-6015.

• Community Reinvestment Awards Banquet Nov. 4, 6 p.m.The theme is “Sowing the Seeds for a Brighter Future.” The Jackson Medical Mall

Foundation will pay homage to individuals and agencies who are giving back to the community.

The special guest speaker is VH1 Celebrity Fit Club’s Sgt. Harvey Walden IV. $75, $650 table of 10; call 601-982-8467, ext. 12.

• NACA Homeownership Seminar Nov. 6, 9 a.m.

The class will be held in the Community Meeting Room. Free; call 601-922-4008.

• MINCAP Business Seminar Nov. 9, 8 a.m. The Minority Capital Fund of Mississippi’s session will be in the Community Meeting Room. Call 601-713-3322.

Venture Incubator Open House and Seminar Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m., at Regions Plaza (210 E. Capitol St.). The informational seminar for business owners and entrepreneurs provides 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.

Mentoring Children for Tomorrow Meeting Nov. 4, 7:30 a.m., at Mimi’s Family and Friends (3139 N. State St.). In collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi, Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi’s MCT program provides mentors for children of incarcerated parents. Learn how to get involved. Call 601-352-7125.

Annual Holden Lecture Nov. 4, 10 a.m., at Jackson State University Student Center Theater (1400 John R. Lynch St.). This year’s lecturer is Dr. Dianne Pinderhughes, professor of political science and Africana Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Free; call 601-979-6949.

MIRA Events at Cabot Lodge Millsaps (2375 N. State St.). Call 601-968-5182.

• Fifth Annual SCLC-MIRA Unity Conference Nov. 4-5. “Celebrating 10 Years of Advocacy”; Speakers include Bill Fletcher Jr., Isabel Garcia, Mike Sayer and State Reps. Adrienne Wooten, Cecil Brown and Jim Evans. Registration includes meals. $50, $25 youth and students.

• Evening of Unity Nov. 5, 6 p.m. In association with the SCLC-MIRA Unity Conference, proceeds benefit MIRA’s $20.10 for 2010 Campaign. The dinner will feature Bill Fletcher, Jr., the premiere of MIRA’s “BREATHE” documentary, Youth for Change, DJ Phingaprint and The Movement Dance Company. Please RSVP. $20.10; call 601-968-5182.

Precinct 1 COPS Meeting Nov. 4, 6 p.m., at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 1 (810 Cooper Road). These monthly meetings are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0001.

Social Studies Teachers Workshop Nov. 5, 8 a.m., at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). “Antebellum Mississippi: 1833-1850” is the theme. 0.5 CEU credits are available through Mississippi College. Free; call 601-576-6800.

Coffee & Contacts Nov. 5, 8 a.m., at Strawberry Cafe (107 Depot Drive, Madison). Join the Madison County Chamber of Commerce for an hour of fast-paced card exchanges and networking. AT&T Mississippi President Mayo Flynt will give remarks.

Free; e-mail info@madisoncountychamber.com.

Power APAC Pancake Breakfast Nov. 6, 7:30 a.m. at Applebee’s (900 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). Enjoy pancakes, sausages, juice, milk and coffee. Proceeds benefit the Power APAC Dance Department. $5; call 601-960-5300.

Jackson Audubon Society Monthly Bird Walk Nov. 6, 8 a.m., at Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). An experienced Audubon Society member will lead the walk. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellent and a snack. Call ahead if you would like to borrow a pair of binoculars.

Adults must accompany children under 15. Free, $3 car entrance fee; call 601-956-7444.

Community Service Day Nov. 6, 8 a.m., at Hinds Community College Raymond Career Center (14020 Highway 18, Raymond). Services such as a

seasonal car check, resume writing, blood pressure and eye screenings, and home maintenance will be offered to the public free of charge. Food will be sold. Free; call 601-857-3680.

Art and Antique Walk Nov. 6, 5 p.m., at Historic Canton Square. Take a stroll back in time to enjoy the square, local artisans, craftsmen, and musicians.

This month’s theme is “Gobble It Up in Canton.”

Free; call 800-844-3369.

Pink Treadmill Drawing Nov. 8, 3 p.m., at Baptist Healthplex (717 Manship St.). The treadmill to be raffled off was used in a recent Pink Ribbon Run fundraiser for breast cancer research. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the Baptist Health Foundation.

Tickets can be purchased at the Jackson or Clinton locations. $20 ticket; call 601-968-1766 or 601925-7900.

Jackson Touchdown Club Meetings Nov. 8, 6 p.m., at River Hills Country Club (3600 Ridgewood Road). Representatives from the College & Pro Officials Club will present a special clinic on football rules. $280 individual membership, $1,200 corporate membership; call 601-955-5293 or 601506-3186.

Monday Night Football Mixer Nov. 8, 7 p.m., at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.). Each week, come to watch football on the big screen television and enjoy burgers, wings and drinks. Wrestling fans can watch WWE matches in the VIP Lounge. Free admission; call 601-979-3994.

Main Street Design Training Nov. 9-10, at King Edward Hotel - Hilton Garden Inn (235 W. Capitol St.). Training is open to all Main Street communities and members, public officials, urban planners and anyone who has an interest in downtown revitalization. Networking activities begin on Nov. 9, and design training will be held on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is required. $125, $100 Main Street members, $75 Main Street managers; call 601-944-0113.

Global Debate Nov. 9, 9:45 a.m., at Ridgeland High School (586 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland).

The Ridgeland High School Global Debate Team will discuss the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Uganda, an action plan and the pros and cons of the plan. The debate is open to the public. Free; call 601-201-9564.

Stroke: Prevention and Warning Signs Nov. 9, 11:45 a.m., at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive), in the Community Room. Join neurologist Dr. Keith Jones to learn about prevention, warning signs and what to do if a stroke occurs. Lunch is free to those who register.

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

Lung Cancer: Screening and Risk Factors Nov. 9, noon, at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), in the Hederman Cancer Center. Find out what you should know about risk factors and detection with oncologist Dr. Justin Baker. Registration is required. $5 optional lunch; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262.

New Vibrations Network Gathering Nov. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church (4866 N. State St.). The mixer is held every second

Thursday. Bring business cards and brochures to share. E-mail newvibrations2003@hotmail.com.

Reflection on the Election Nov. 9, 7 p.m., at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Jere Nash and Andy Taggart speak as part of the Millsaps Arts and Lecture Series. $10; call 601-974-1130.

Fondren Association of Businesses Meeting Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m., at Walker’s Drive-In (3016 N. State St.). Agenda topics include information on availability and the applications process for small business loans, the introduction of Jackson Police Department contact information and exploring implications of “working together works” in building our business community. Call 601-981-1658.

FarmerS’ marketS Farmers’ Market through Nov. 7, at Old Farmers’ Market (352 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). Brenda’s Produce features fruits, vegetables and flowers from Smith County, and Berry’s Produce also has a wide selection of products to choose from. Hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Call 601-354-0529 or 601-353-1633.

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 Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m.2 p.m. Call 601-506-2848 or 601-354-6573.

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

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

Stage and SCreen “The Miracle Worker” through Nov. 7, at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The American classic about Medal of Freedom winner Helen Keller is written by William Gibson. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3-6, and 2 p.m. Nov. 7. $25, $22 seniors and students; call 601-948-3533.

Verdi’s “Rigoletto” Screening Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m., at Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St.). Mississippi Opera will air their 2008 production starring Sarah Jane McMahon and Constantinos Yiannoudes at Pi(e) Lounge. Free; call 601-960-2300.

“A Lesson Before Dying” Nov. 4-9, at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 Lynch St.). The play based on Ernest Gaines’ novel about racial injustice is presented by MADDRAMA. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4-6 and Nov. 8-9, and 3 p.m. Nov. 7. $10, $5 students; e-mail mark@maddrama.com.

Album Releases This Week 7 Walkers [Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann & Papa Mali] “7 Walkers,” Jason Aldean “My Kinda Party,” Autumn Defense [Wilco’s John Stirratt & Pat Sansone] “Once Around,” Black Dub [Daniel Lanois] “Black Dub,” Mariah Carey “Merry Christmas II You,” City Champs “The Set-Up,” Elvis Costello “National Ransom,” Dark Party “Light Years,” Destroyer “The Archers On The Beach [EP],” Devin The Dude “Gotta Be Me,” Neil Diamond “Dreams,” Brian Eno “Small Craft On a Milk Sea,” Good Charlotte “Cardiology,” Huey Lewis & The News “Soulville,” Matt And Kim “Sidewalks,” Mini Mansions “Mini Mansions,” N.E.R.D. “Nothing,” Pitbull “Armando,” Kelly Rowland “[Title TBA],” Violens “Amoral”

Verdi’s “Aida” Screening Nov. 7, 2 p.m., at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The film is presented by the Mississippi Opera and the Mississippi Film Institute. Free; call 601-960-2300.

“The Case of the Birthday Surprise” Dinner Theatre Nov. 8, 7 p.m., at Olga’s (4670 Interstate 55 North). The play by Mississippi Murder Mysteries includes a three-course dinner. Reservations are required with payment in advance. $40; call 601668-2214.

“Black Hawk Down” Nov. 9, 8 p.m., at War Memorial Auditorium (120 S. State St.). The Crossroads Film Society will honor our state’s veterans by offering a free showing of the movie to all active and retired military. Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Bill Waller Jr. will be providing pre-film commentary in honor of Veteran’s Day. $7, $5 Crossroads members/students, veterans free; e-mail info@crossroadsfilmfestival.com.

MUSIC Fretwork Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m., at St. James Episcopal Church (3921 Oakridge Drive). The English viol consort returns to perform a program of the Fantazias of Henry Purcell and William Lawes. $25, $5 students; call 601-594-5584.

“Passion and Fireworks: The Heart of Opera” Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m., at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). Features local area orchestra members and internationally acclaimed opera soloists. $25; discounts available; call 601-960-2300.

Chamber Singers Concert Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., at Crossgates Baptist Church (8 Crosswoods Road, Brandon). Millsaps College’s 20-voice auditioned touring choir presents a concert of a cappella and accompanied choral music from motets and anthems to American folk hymns and spirituals.

Free; call 601-974-1422.

LITERARY AND SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.). Call 601-366-7619.

• “Mississippi: State of Blues” Nov. 3, 5 p.m., Photographer Ken Murphy signs copies of his book. $59.95 book.

• “Haunted by Atrocity: Civil War Prisons in American Memory” Nov. 4, 5 p.m. Benjamin Cloyd signs copies of his book; reading of the book at 5:30 p.m. $37.50 book.

• “They Came to Nashville” Nov. 5, 5:30 p.m.

Marshall Chapman signs copies of her book. $25 book.

“Sweet By and By” Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m., at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road). Ramona Bridges signs copies of her book. $24.99 book; call 888-361-9473.

CREATIVE CLASSES Events at ArtWorks Studios (160 W. Government St., Brandon). Call 601-499-5278.

• Intro to Clay Hand-Built Pottery Class Nov. 4Dec. 2. The four-week class on Thursdays from 5:45-6:45 p.m. is for children in grades K-5. $120 (includes materials).

• Adult Hand-Built Pottery Class Nov. 4-Dec. 2.

The four-week class on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. is for anyone who wants to make vases, boxes, bowls, or sculptures out of potter’s clay. Learn basic hand building techniques like coiling, slab building, pinching and texturing. $135 (includes materials).

“Auditioning - It’s More Than Acting” Nov. 6, 1 a.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.).

Denise Halbach is the instructor. The class will cover aspects of preparing for an audition such as material selection and dealing with nervousness. $100; call 601-948-3533, ext. 232.

EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS “Continental Divide, a Photo Exhibit of the Border” Nov. 2-5, at Cabot Lodge Millsaps (2375 N. State St.). Presented by the Sierra Club, see photographs showing the effects of the United StatesMexico border on the wildlife and ecology of the surrounding landscape. Hours are 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Nov. 2-4 and 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Nov. 5. The exhibit includes a screening of the film “Wild Versus Wall” Nov. 5 at 5:15 p.m., refreshments included.

The exhibit is in conjunction with the MIRASCLC Unity Conference. Free; call 520-250-9040.

Opening Reception Nov. 4, 5 p.m., at Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St., Suite 101). See artwork by Rolland Golden. Free; call 601-366-8833.

“An Instructional” Nov. 5-29 at Millsaps College, Lewis Art Gallery (1701 N. State St.). Co-curators and artists Ciara Scanlan and Matthew Nevin present a collection of North American and European artists’ work. Free; call 601-974-1762.

Outdoor and Heritage Day Nov. 6, 9 a.m., at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland).

Meet craftsmen who create the works in The Gallery and the Chimneyville Craft Festival; enjoy tunes from local musicians and food from local establishments. Free admission; call 601-856-7546.

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 Belk Fall Charity Sale Nov. 6, 6 a.m., at Belk, Dogwood Festival (150 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood) and Northpark Mall (1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland). The four-hour event is a fundraiser for participating local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations, and a chance for customers to support their favorite charities and take advantage of special discounts of 20 to 70 percent on purchases. $5; call 601-919-5000 or 601-991-2017.

Bread Day Nov. 6, 7 a.m., at Great Harvest Bread Company (5006 Parkway Drive). Patty Peck Christie, owner of Patty Peck Honda, will serve as a celebrity baker. Proceeds from the day’s sales will aid the DFM’s Helping Hands patient assistance program and Camp Kandu, a camp for children with diabetes.

Call 601-957-7878.

NAMIWalks for the Mind of America Nov. 6, 9 a.m., at Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff (115 Lakeland Terrace). Check-in is at 9 a.m. The 4K walk is an annual fundraiser for NAMI Mississippi, a local branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Join the JFP team at nami. org/namiwalks10/MIS/jfp2010. Donations welcome; call 601-899-9058.

Off the Leash for Epilepsy Nov. 6, 11 a.m., at Lakeshore Park (Lakeshore Drive, Brandon).

Activities include three pet contests, kids activities, food raffles, K-9 demonstrations and music by David Schommer and the Jackson All-Stars. Proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi. $5, $3 students, kids 5 and under free; call 601-936-5222.

jacksonfreepress.com

“Hair” Nov. 4-6, at Millsaps Christian Center Auditorium (1701 N. State St.). Presented by Millsaps’ Theatre Department, the musical is directed by Jeannie-Marie Brown. $10, $5 students and seniors; call 601-974-1422.

31

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COURTESY TIMOTHY COKER

Luck of the Draw Millsaps music department mainstay Timothy Coker takes pride in the Mississippi-born and taught musicians he has encountered in his long career.

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South of Walmart in Madison

ALL STADIUM SEATING Listings for Friday, November 5th - Thursday, November 11th Megamind 3-D

Due Date

PG R

For Colored Girls R Saw 3-D Waiting For Superman

PG

Paranormal Activity 2

R

Hereafter

PG13

Red

PG13

Jackass 3-D November 3 - 9, 2010

R

Secretariat

PG

Life As We Know It PG13 The Social Network You Again

PG13 PG

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

32 Movieline: 355-9311

probably a slightly more laid-back environment than that of academia. He has equal demands for both groups.

The conductor’s process for selecting songs for the choirs is similar, too. Coker likes to tie the songs to a theme. As a prime example, he cites the Millsaps Singers’ upcoming spring concert. Because of a former student who requested the choir do something to commemorate Millsaps Singers founder, Pop King, the theme was an easy one to choose.

“We decided (the former student) would commission a piece of music to be written and that we would perform it. I was able to get that all in place and voila! Now we have a concert that’s built around the memory of Pop King,” he says.

The Singers’ last concert had a faithmerging theme to honor the inauguration of Millsaps’ new president, Robert Pearigen.

“We have a new president at the college who had just gotten inaugurated right

Fireworks of the Heart

by Julia Hulitt

T

he Mississippi Opera will present its first show of the fall season, “Passion and Fireworks: The Heart of the Opera,” Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts. The event will feature narration by opera singer Lester Senter and performances by five guests soloists: coloratura soprano Emily Hindrichs, soprano Maryann Kyle, mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel, tenor Eric Margiore, and baritone Guido Lebron, along with the Mississippi Opera chorus and a full orchestra, Emily Hindrichs is the coloratura soprano of the Mississippi Opera’s directed by maestro Jay Dean. performance of “Passion and A “‘spoof ’ version of a classic, well-loved aria” Fireworks: The Heart of the Opera.” is also scheduled for the evening, though the Mississippi Opera gang doesn’t seem to be giving up any information about what the aria is. I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.

Tickets and more information about “Passion and Fireworks” is available online at www.msopera.org; general admission is $25, and the Nov. 6 show begins at 7:30 p.m.

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI OPERA

Megamind (non 3-D)

PG

very Sunday morning, the glorious sound of hymns fills the sanctuary of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson. Behind every great choir, there’s a great choir director, and at Northminster, it’s Timothy “Tim” Coker.

Choir directing is more than a Sunday morning thing for him, though. He also serves as a music department professor and directs the Singers and Chamber Singers at Millsaps College.

Coker, 63, a Mississippi native, is a father of three and husband to Millsaps voice professor Cheryl Coker. A Murrah High School graduate, the director studied at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology before realizing music was his calling.

“I just missed my music so much. I decided I had to get back into music,” he says.

After realizing how much he missed music, Coker attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received a bachelor’s degree in piano, a master’s in conducting and a doctorate in choral music.

Coker came to Millsaps in 1984 after teaching in the Tupelo Public School District for 12 years. He says he still has a love for teaching after more than 35 years teaching choral music, noting that working with students is the best part of his job.

Despite national and international tours with choirs and receiving national recognition for his choirs’ performances, Coker claims his greatest accomplishment is looking back on what his students have done.

“Whether they go on to be professional musicians or not, students who continue to enjoy or perform music—when you see them continuing to do it, and it’s an important part of their life—then you know that the effort you made in teaching them was very much worth the effort, and the patience and the time,” he says.

Coker says directing at Millsaps and the church isn’t entirely different from one another. He is constantly in teaching mode at Northminster, and he believes that even for the few students from Millsaps that sing in his church choir, the only difference is

before our first concert, so I selected music that tied in his background, coming from an Anglican Church school, to Millsaps, which is a Methodist Church school. I created a concert around that,” he says.

“I also have created concerts around other kinds of themes: maybe an Americana theme; maybe a freedom theme; maybe around world music. I typically come up with things like that.”

At Northminster, the professor follows the lectionary, a centuries-old cycle of scripture readings assigned to each Sunday of the year that church leaders all over the world use. Coker bases his musical selections on the theme of the lectionary readings for the day.

“There’s a very holistic approach to the music, the sermon, the readings, the prayers. … I don’t just do music that I want to do, I do music that seems (suitable),” he says.

Coker, a permanent fixture in the college’s music department, is proud to herald his colleagues, too. Many of them navigate two worlds, church and academia, like he does. He cites John Paul, organist and choirmaster of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral; Bill Wymond, minister of music at First Presbyterian Church; and Michael Hrivnak, minister of music at Galloway United Methodist Church. These people, he says, are a few of his favorites in local church music. Jimmy Slaughter, who recently retired from Mississippi College, is one of Coker’s preferred composers.

“We’re really lucky to have him,” he says of Slaughter.

But Coker’s pride reaches beyond the iron gates of Millsaps into the city’s popular music scene. “We have composers; we have conductors; we have singers; and then you’ve got a lot of great blues and jazz musicians,” he says. “We’re lucky to have as many fine musicians as we have.”

Nov. 3 - WedNesday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free Shucker’s - DoubleShotz 7:3011:30 p.m. free Underground 119 - Eddie Cotton $20 Char - Jason Turner Hal and Mal’s - Tiger Rogers 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 with Mike Mott Fenian’s - Ben Lewis (acoustic rock) 9 p.m. free

Nov. 4 - Thursday F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues lunch) free; Amazin’ Lazy Boi & Sunset Challenge Blues Band 11:304 a.m.

Fondren Corner - Fondren After Five 5-8 p.m. free Hal and Mal’s - Cary Hudson and The Pineywood Playboys (rest.) United Way Adult Spelling Bee (Big Room) Underground 119 - Booker Walker (jazz) Ole Tavern - Ladies Night Fondren Art Gallery - Y’alls Blues Band 5-8 p.m. free St. James Episcopal Church - Miss. Academy of Ancient Music: Fretwork (English Viol/ Purcell) 7:30 p.m. $25 ancientmusic.org 930 Blues Cafe - Norman Clark & Smoke Stack Lightning 8 p.m. $5 Burgers and Blues - Jason Bailey 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Time Out - Jason Turner Fenian’s - Legacy Regency Hotel - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Philip’s on the Rez - Bubba Wingfield McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Georgia Blue - Hunter Gibson Union St. Books, Canton (Song)writers Showcase 7-9 p.m. free, 601-859-8596

Nov. 5 - Friday F. Jones Corner - Stevie J (blues/ solo) noon; 12-4 a.m. $10 Wired Espresso Cafe - David Hawkins noon Underground 119 - Jedi Clampett (blues) Ole Tavern - Bailey Brothers, Righteous Buddha Martin’s - Chance Fisher Band myspace.com/chancefisherband Fenian’s - Scott Albert Johnson 9 p.m. free Hal and Mal’s - Big Bad Wolves (rest.), Forever Young (Red Room) Fire - Darryl Worley $17.50, $20 8 p.m.

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

Dick & Jane’s - Show Night/DJ Allen 9 p.m. $6; 18+ $10 Marriott Downtown, Windsor Ballroom - First Friday/DJ Phil 10 p.m.

Regency - Snazz Phillip’s on the Rez - Bubba Wingfield Reed Pierce’s - Yankee Station 9 p.m. free Kathryn’s - Hunter Gibson and Larry Brewer Soulshine, Old Fannin - Barry Leach 7 p.m.

Soulshine, The Township - Daniel Sharp and David Lauderdale 8 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Trey Hawkins Band Burgers and Blues - Mike and Marty 7-11 p.m.

Lemuria Books - Marshall Chapman book signing and CD release 5:30 p.m. tallgirl.com Irish Frog - Mark Whittington 6-10 p.m.

C-Notes, 6550 Old Canton - Doug Frank SurRealLife (Blues-Rock & Jamz) 8 p.m.

Rick’s Cafe, Starkville - Keller Williams No Smoking Smokehouse, Yazoo City - Open Mic 6 p.m. free The Lyric, Oxford - Of Montreal, Janelle Monae

Nov. 6 - saTurday Belhaven Center for the Arts - Miss. Opera’s Passion and Fireworks: The Heart of Opera 7:30 p.m. 877-MSOPERA msopera.org F. Jones Corner - Stevie J & the Blues Eruption 11:30-4 a.m. $5 Reed Pierce’s - The Colonels 9 p.m. free Hal and Mal’s - Bill & Temperance Ole Tavern - F*** Bag Jones (Tom Jones Tribute), Jimmy Sopht and the No Gag Reflex Martin’s - Spacewolf 10 p.m.

Fenian’s - The Juvenators 9 p.m. free Pop’s Saloon - Trey Hawkins Band Sam’s Lounge - Shadowcast w/ Soul Skard and Touching The Absolute 9 p.m. $5 Underground 119 - Louis “Gearshifter” Youngblood (blues) Cultural Expressions - Gospoetry 8:30 p.m.

Suite 106 - Meet and Greet feat.

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

Fitzgerald’s - Chris Gill 8-12 a.m.

Huntington’s - Ralph Miller 6-9 p.m.

Dick & Jane’s - House Party/DJ Allen 9 p.m. $6; 18+ $10 Burgers and Blues - Joe Carroll Gang 7-11p.m.

Lakeshore Parkway - Off the Leash for Epliepsy: David Schommer and the Jackson All-Stars $5, $3 students, kids under 5 free 601-936-5222

Phillip’s on the Rez - Larry Brewer Horseshoe Casino, Tunica - Barenaked Ladies

Nov. 7 - 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) Dreamz, Jxn - ZeeDubb & Ulogy (CD release party) zeedubb. bandcamp.com Burgers and Blues - Shaun Patterson 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Phillip’s on the Rez - Shades of Green Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon - Millsaps College Chamber Singers 6:30 p.m. free

Nov. 8 - 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. 9 - Tuesday F. Jones Corner - Amazing Lazy Boi (blues lunch) free Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Pub Quiz 8 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m.

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

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Burgers and Blues - Ralph Miller The Orpheum, Memphis - Styx

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR aLL sHows 10pm unLess noted WEDNESDAY

11/03

ladies night

with jason bailey

laDies Pay $5, DRinK FRee FRIDAY

11/05

ChanCe

FISHER BAND SPACEWOLF SATURDAY

11/06

feat. members of

ROOSEVELT NOISE

Of Montreal - Lyric, Oxford Mumford & Sons - Republic, New Orleans Blues Traveler - Beau Rivage, Biloxi Wolf Parade - Lyric, Oxford Social Distortion, Lucero - House of Blues, New Orleans Stars - Republic, New Orleans

UPCOMING NOV. 12TH:

Buffalo Nickel w/ Natalie Long thursday

NOVEMBER 4

LADIES NIGHT LADIES DRINK FREE

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

friday

NOVEMBER 5

BAILEY BROS. w/ Righteous Buddha NOVEMBER 6

F*** Bag Jones

(Tom Jones Tribute)

w/ Jimmy Sopht & SUNDAY

11/07

MONDAY

11/08

TUESDAY

11/09

KaraoKe

OPEN MIC JAM MATT’S LATE NIGHT KARAOKE

$2 MARGARITAS $1 HIGHLIFE & PBR WEDNESDAY

11/10

ladies night

with jason bailey

11/05 11/05 11/12 11/13 11/16 11/21

Open for dinner Sat. 4-10pm

saturday

Nov. 10 - WedNesday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues lunch) free Underground 119 - Eddie Cotton 7 p.m. $20 Shucker’s - DoubleShotz 7:3011:30 p.m. free Burgers and Blues - Jason Bailey 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Hal and Mal’s - Barry Leach Fenian’s - Larry Brewer Regency Hotel - Snazz 8:30 p.m. facebook.com/snazzband2 Philip’s on the Rez - DJ Mike/ Karaoke Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke with Mike Mott The Orpheum, Memphis - Levon Helm Band and Ray LaMontagne

Weekly Lunch Specials

laDies Pay $5, DRinK FRee 214 S. State St. • 601.354.9712 downtown jackson www.martinSlounge.net

the No-Gag Reflex tuesday

NOVEMBER 9

OPEN MIC with Cody Cox

*DOLLAR BEER* wednesday

NOVEMBER 10

KARAOKE w/ KJ STACHE FREE WiFi Open Mon-Sat, Kitchen open Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm & Sat 4-10 pm

jacksonfreepress.com

livemusic

33

venuelist

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

12 BEERS ON TAP

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

THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 4 LADIES NIGHT Ladies Drink Free 9pm-11pm

FRI. & SAT. - NOVEMBER 5 & 6

TREY HAWKINS BAND

SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 7 8 BALL TOURNAMENT MONDAY - NOVEMBER 8 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL November 3 - 9, 2010

Free Hot Wings, $3 Pitchers during game

34

TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 9

POOL LEAGUE NIGHT

WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 10 MIKE MOTT KARAOKE 2636 S. Gallatin Jackson, MS 39204

601-961-4747

www.myspace.com/popsaroundthecorner

88 Keys 3645 Hwy. 80 W in Metrocenter, Jackson, 601-352-7342 930 Blues Cafe 930 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-948-3344 Alamo Theatre 333 N. Farish St, Jackson, 601-352-3365 Alley Cats 165 W. Peace St., Canton, 601855-2225 Alumni House Sports Grill 574 Hwy. 50, Ridgeland, 601-855-2225 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 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) The Warehouse 9347 Hwy 18 West, Jackson, 601-502-8580 (pop/rock) Wired Expresso Cafe 115 N. State St. 601500-7800

DIVERSIONS|sports

FRIDAY, NOV. 5 High school football, MAIS AAA-Division I playoffs, Madison-Ridgeland Academy at Jackson Prep (7 p.m., Flowood, 103.9 FM) and Presbyterian Christian at Jackson Academy (7 p.m., Jackson, 930 AM): Prep and JA appear headed toward their seemingly annual meeting in the state title game.

SATURDAY, NOV. 6 College football, Louisiana-Lafayette at Ole Miss (6 p.m., Oxford, ESPNU, 97.3 p.m.): The punching-bag Rebels aim to unleash their rage on the Cajuns. …

Jackson State at Alabama State (7 p.m., Montgomery, Ala., 105.1 FM): The Tigers hope to separate themselves in the tangled SWAC East race.

SUNDAY, NOV. 7 NFL football, New Orleans at Carolina (noon, Ch. 40, 620 AM): The Saints call on the godawful Panthers. Can you say “another trap game”? … Dallas at Green Bay (7:20 p.m., Ch. 3): Speaking of godawful, do you think Wade Phillips will still be coaching the Cowboys when they take the field against the Packers?

MONDAY, NOV. 8 NFL football, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (7:30 p.m., ESPN): Will the struggling Bengals be the cure for what’s ailing the Steelers?

TUESDAY, NOV. 9 College football, Toledo at Northern Illinois (6 p.m., ESPN): The Rockets and Huskies meet in a battle for MAC West supremacy, in case you’re interested.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 10 NBA basketball, Utah at Orlando (6 p.m., ESPN): The Jazz, your next NBA West champions (if you believe Sports Illustrated) faces the mighty Magic, who figure to give the Heat bigtime trouble in the NBA East. … Dallas at Memphis (7 p.m., SportSouth): The Mavericks should be OK this season. The Grizzlies? Who can tell?

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, the bane of fickle Jackson State fans everywhere.

Sports lovers will fit right in at JFP Sports on www.jacksonfreepress.com.

Team Loyalty Contests and Sports Trivia!

Pearl Boxing Club Coach Bombay Higginbottom (left) puts one of his young charges, Isaia Perez, through training moves.

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B

oxing can help keep kids off the street and give them direction in their lives says former fighter turned boxing coach Bombay Higginbottom. He preaches that boxing teaches discipline and respect but cautions his fighters to keep a balanced attitude.

“Boxing can open a lot of doors in life, but if a fighter is not careful and respectful, boxing will humble you in the ring and outside of it as well,” he says.

Mississippi has boxing clubs all over, but the only club in the Jackson area is located in Pearl. Coach Higginbottom accepts kids from throughout the metro area.

Higginbottom is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and is a former boxer himself, fighting 112 amateur fights and 12 professional fights.

He moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2000 and began working with the Gulfport Boxing Club. He then came to the Jackson metro because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and found a new home with the Pearl Boxing Club. There, Higginbottom worked directly with club co-founder David Archer for two years before Archer retired about six months ago. When Archer retired, Higginbottom took over as coach of the Pearl Boxing Club.

For the last 10 years, the Pearl Boxing Club has slowly built itself into one of the best amateur boxing spots in Mississippi. The reward for this is that the club will host the 46th annual Mississippi Golden Gloves tournament in March of 2011. The coach expects about 50 fighters from the across the state.

Boxing, aka “the sweet science,” used to be one of the most popular sports in America.

But the golden years of boxing have faded, and no boxer since Mike Tyson has been able to capture the American public’s imagination. Boxing, for the most part, has only itself to blame, with its history of corruption and inept leaders who moved fights to pay cable TV stations and Pay Per View. That does not mean boxing is gone, but it may be in danger.

Still, the sport is trying to thrive in the Jackson metro area.

Archer and Stan Nichols started the Pearl Boxing Club in 2000. In 2008, Archer was elected to the Southern Boxing Association Hall of Fame and has recently retired. Nichols has moved on to become a board member of the SBA, which, as a member of USA Boxing,

offers amateur boxing in Mississippi, Louisiana, a portion of Alabama and the Florida panhandle.

The Pearl Boxing Club not only offers the life lessons that one can learn in any sport—fighting through adversity, discipline and good things come from hard work—but it is teaching kids to contribute to their communities, too. Higginbottom is promoting “Kids Fight Against Hunger.” For the Nov. 13 bout, Higginbottom is asking spectators to bring canned foods to save money on their tickets.

Former Pearl Mayor Jimmy Foster recognized Higginbottom for “Kids Fight Against Hunger” and for keeping kids off the streets.

The mayor gave the Pearl Boxing Club a space at the Old Boys Club Center (Old Boys Club Center City Drive, Pearl, 601-825-7055).

As club coach, Higginbottom teaches amateur fighters ranging in age from as young as 8 to about 35. He even coaches two women boxers. Assisting Higginbottom are Steve Wilson and Freeman Morgan, the club’s strength and conditioning coaches.

Higginbottom’s stable of fighters includes several up-and-coming fighters: Featherweight Joel Montoya Jr., of Richland, is a U.S. Amateur Boxing national champion; Higginbottom’s son Raejonn Higginbottom, of Clinton, and Chris Gonzalez, of Ridgeland, are both super bantamweight Golden Glove champions. A Golden Gloves championship is the highest honor an amateur boxer can achieve.

The coach believes if given the chance to grow, he and the Pearl Boxing Club can make even more of positive impact in the Jackson metro area. You can find videos of several of his best fighters on YouTube, and he also promotes the club through DVDs available for free at sports stores around the metro area.

The club charges $85 a year for the fighter’s administration fees and requires a $25 donation each month to help cover travel expenses. Higginbottom hopes that one day, donations from outside sources will eliminate the monthly fee for his fighters.

The Pearl Boxing Club meets Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in boxing can call Coach Higginbottom at 601-862-0203 or e-mail baseboxing@ yahoo.com.

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!

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FRI. NOV 5

MARK WHITTINGTON & FINGERS TAYLOR 9:30PM - 1:30AM NO COVER CHARGE

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NCAA FOOTBALL

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THURSDAY, NOV. 4 Men’s college basketball, William Carey at Southern Miss (7 p.m., Hattiesburg): The Crusaders travel across town to play the Golden Eagles for the first time since 2007. USM is walking hell against NAIA teams; too bad the Eagles belong to the NCAA.

‘Sweet Science’ in Pearl JERRICK SMITH

Doctor S sez: Have you heard about the new college football recruiting movie? It’s called “The Price is Right.”

by Bryan Flynn

35

BY MATT JONES

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Technorati, a search engine for blogs, says there are well over 100 million blogs on the Internet, and that figure doesn’t include millions of Chinese language blogs. So self-expression is thriving on a global scale, right? Not exactly. Most blogs—the estimate is 94 percent—have not been updated for at least four months. In accordance with the current astrological indicators, Scorpio, I expect you to do something about this problem. Refresh your blog in the coming week, or consider launching one if you don’t have one. But don’t stop there. Use every other way you can imagine to show the world who you are. Be articulate and demonstrative and revelatory.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I think you can handle more hubbub and uproar than you realize. I also suspect you’re capable of integrating more novelty, and at a faster rate, than the members of all the other signs of the zodiac. That’s why I think you should consider interpreting what’s happening in your life right now as “interesting adventures” instead of “disorienting chaos.” The entire universe is set up to help you thrive on what non-Sagittarians might regard as stressful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“Dear Rob: My boyfriend’s heart is in the right place.

He likes to give me flowers. The only trouble is, the bouquets he brings are homely. A recent batch was a hodgepodge of blue delphiniums, white carnations and red geraniums. Is there any way to steer him in a more aesthetically correct direction without deflating his tender kindness? —Unsatisfied Capricorn.” Dear Unsatisfied: In my astrological opinion, one of the tasks you Capricorns should be concerned with right now is learning to love the gifts that people want to give you.

Maybe at a later date you can start training them to provide you with exactly what you want. But for the moment, it won’t kill you to simply welcome and celebrate their generosity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your new vocabulary word for the week is “skookum,” a term from the Chinook Indians that is still used in some parts of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. My astrological colleague Caroline Casey says it means “in cahoots with good spirits” and “completely made for the job.” Wikipedia suggests that when you’re skookum, you’ve got a clear purpose and are standing in your power spot. According to my reading of the omens, Aquarius, these definitions of skookum fit you pretty well right now. (P.S. When skookum is used to describe food, it means delicious and hearty, which could definitely be applied to you if you were edible.)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In the coming days, it’s crucial for you to be spontaneous but not rash. Do you know the distinction? Read the words of psychologist Abraham Maslow: “Spontaneity (the impulses from our best self) gets confused with impulsivity and acting-out (the impulses from our sick self), and there is then no way to tell the difference.” Be sure you stay true to the vitalizing prompts arising from your inner genius, Pisces, not the distorted compulsions erupting from your inner maniac.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

In Marcel Proust’s novel “In Search of Lost Time,” one of the characters makes a vulgar observation about the odd attractions that sometimes come over us human beings: “Anyone who falls in love with a dog’s behind will mistake it for a rose.” It’s my duty to point out that the opposite occurs, too. People may think a marvelous thing is worthless and dislike it or ignore it as a result.

Van Gogh’s paintings, for example: He sold only one while he was alive, although today his work is regarded as extraordinarily beautiful. My advice to you, Aries, is to avoid both of these errors in the coming week.

November 3 - 9, 2010

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

36

Poet Paul Eluard frequently fantasized and wrote about his dream woman, but he never actually found her.

“The cards have predicted that I would meet her but not recognize her,” he said. So he contented himself with being in love with love. I think he made a sound decision that many of us should consider emulating. It’s a losing proposition to wait around hoping for a dream lover to show up in our lives, since no one can ever match the idealized image we carry around in our imagi-

nation. And even if there were such a thing as a perfect mate, we would probably not recognize that person, as Eluard said, because they’d be so different from our fantasy. Having said all that, Taurus, I’m happy to inform you that the next two months will be prime time for you to cultivate your connection with an imperfect beauty who is good for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) When you begin

treatment with a homeopathic doctor, his or her first task is to determine your “constitutional,” which is the remedy that serves as your fundamental medicine—the tonic you take to keep your system balanced and functioning smoothly. Mine used to be “aurum,” or gold, but due to certain shifts in my energy, my doctor ultimately changed it to “lac lupinum,” or wolf’s milk.

After analyzing your astrological omens, I’m guessing that you might need a similar adjustment in the regimen that keeps you healthy. Your body’s needs seem to be evolving. Consider making some changes in the food you eat, the sleep you get, the exercise you do and the love you stir up.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

“Freedom is in the unknown,” said philosopher John C. Lilly. “If you believe there is an unknown everywhere, in your own body, in your relationships with other people, in political institutions, in the universe, then you have maximum freedom.” I think this is the most important thought you could meditate on right now, Cancerian.

You are close to summoning the magic that would allow you to revel in what’s unknown about everything and everyone you love. And that would dramatically invigorate your instinct for freedom.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

The first time I ever planted a garden was last summer.

It wasn’t easy. The soil in my backyard was hard clay that I could barely penetrate with a shovel. Luckily, a helpful clerk at the garden store revealed a solution: gypsum. All I had to do was pour the white powder on my intransigent dirt and wet it down for a few days.

The stuff performed as advertised on the package: It “worked like millions of tiny hoes,” loosening the heavy clay. A week later I was able to begin planting. In the coming days, Leo, I think you could benefit from the metaphorical equivalent of a million tiny hoes. You’ve got to break down a hard surface to create a soft bed for your seeds.

“Over the Hill”--start adding on the years.

Across

1 Gets droopy 5 “Caught you!” cries 9 “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” org.

13 Mrs. Peacock’s game 14 Coffeehouse order 16 Persian’s place 17 Tell-all book where Popeye’s girl admits she loved Bluto?

20 Sleek swimmer 21 Temple site near Luxor 22 Macbeth, and others 24 Former money in Spain 28 Waxy buildup site 29 Airport guess: abbr.

32 Decorated anew 33 ACLU’s concern: abbr.

34 “See ya later, everybody” 36 Composer who’s a marching band staple 37 Review of a long-ago hit as “really bothersome”?

40 Former Chinese premier Zhou ___ 42 Welcome, as houseguests 43 Three before LBJ 46 Walked over 48 Agent 49 Guitar amp effect

50 A roll of 4 and 6, in craps 52 ___-faire 54 Encircled 57 ___ with everything 58 Perfume maker, really?

62 Late magician Henning 63 Division of Islam 64 Beginner: var.

65 Plato of “Diff’rent Strokes” 66 “The Man Who Fell to Earth” director Nicolas 67 Cong. meeting

18 Before, to Burns 19 Makes a gradual transition 23 Big rig 25 No pushover 26 Ques. counterpart 27 Word before cow or horse 30 “Little piggies” 31 Pursuing 34 Just plain dumb 35 Like some refills 38 “Alejandro” singer 39 Sounds from a toy poodle 40 Summer, in Saint-Tropez 41 Gun-toting gp.

44 Black eyes 45 Bullfighting figures 47 “Shoot!”

49 Tennis great Chris and family 51 Senegalese singer Youssou ___ 53 Blood type system 55 Cube maker Rubik 56 Unit of force 58 Like 69 59 Mauna ___ (macadamia nut brand) 60 Kicks 61 Permanent hairdo? ©2010 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute.

Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0485.

Down

1 Foot-powered vehicle 2 Hot stuff 3 Santana highlights 4 Digits some people write with an extra slash 5 TLA sometimes paired with LOL 6 Catchy part of a song 7 Prefix for -gon 8 Pointy 9 Gave a hard time to 10 Slip up 11 ___ kwon do 12 Six-legged hauler 15 “Lou Grant” star Ed

Last Week’s Answers

BY MATT JONES

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Recent research suggests that yawning raises alertness, enhances cognitive awareness, reduces stress and strengthens the part of the brain that feels empathy.

Andrew Newburg, M.D. goes so far as to recommend that you regularly induce yawns. He says it helps you solve problems, increases your efficiency and intensifies your spiritual experiences. (Read more here: http://bit. ly/YawnGenius.) So here’s my advice, Virgo. During the current phase of your astrological cycle—which is a time when self-improvement activities are especially favored—you should experiment with recreational yawning.

Last Week’s Answers

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Check out this haiku by Mizuhara Shuoshi, translated from the Japanese by William J. Higginson: “Stuck in a vase / deep mountain magnolia / blossoms open.”

Does that remind you of anyone? It should. I think it pretty much sums up your current situation. More accurately, it captures the best possible scenario you can strive to achieve, given your circumstances. Yes, there are limitations you have to deal with right now: being in the vase. And yet there’s no reason you can’t bloom like a deep mountain magnolia.

Homework: Imagine that thanks to scientific breakthroughs and good luck, you’re still alive in 2090. What’s your life like? Testify at Truthrooster@gmail.com.

“Geography Sudoku” Solve this as a normal sudoku with letters instead of numbers. Each given letter will appear exactly once in each row, column, and 3x3 box. If you have the correct solution, one row across or column down will reveal a famous geographical name. psychosudoku@hotmail.com

by Tom Ramsey

Change is Good

I

usually talk about the pleasures of meat. I love meaty good meatness. But today, I diverge. Today’s recipe is vegetarian. It could even be made vegan by substituting olive oil for the butter. You could heap in some cow, pig, goat, fish or chicken and be just fine, but for this particular dish, it isn’t necessary. So for all the vegetarian readers out there, here is a Tom recipe you can actually use.

When you go in the store any time between now and Christmas, you’ll see pumpkins. Big ones, little ones, round ones, tall ones, even fancy variegated ones. But for sure, you will see pumpkins. My guess is that most of these orange beauties end up with triangles and funny teeth cut into them. But for some of us, the arrival of the pumpkin in the grocery store is a touchstone of fall and a clear signal to start cooking a different way with different foods. Gone are the light summer veggie relishes and in are the gourds,

Lay the pumpkin on its side and completely cut through the top and bottom and discard. Stand the pumpkin on the cut bottom and cut in half from top to bottom, creating two semi-spheres of pumpkin.

Scoop out all “strings” and seeds and discard. Slice the pumpkin into 2-inch strips from top to bottom. Carefully lay each strip on its side and cut off and discard the rind, leaving only the tender part. Cut this part of the pumpkin into 1-inch cubes. Roughly chop the onions, garlic, bell peppers and green onions.

Melt butter in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. When the butter completely melts and begins to foam, add onions and cook until slightly

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/8 teaspoon ground clove 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 cup coconut milk (unsweetened) 1/2 cup vegetable broth Salt Cayenne pepper

softened and translucent. Add garlic, pumpkin, bell peppers and green onion. Simmer until vegetables begin to soften. Add curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, cumin, clove and cardamom. Stir over medium heat until all seasonings are fully incorporated in the dish. Add coconut milk and vegetable broth, and cook over medium heat until the liquids thicken and reduce by one half of their original volume.

When sauce is reduced and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, taste and add salt and cayenne pepper as needed.

Serve in a shallow bowl over basmati rice.

(Serves 6)

Staying Frugal and Sane

by Katie Stewart

by Sahil Grewal

S

erve up a little bit of magic this Halloween with this throwback to the Irish Shandy, which is beer flavored with carbonated lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale or citrus flavored soda. In this remake, as you drop the shot into the lager, it changes color right before your eyes. Your friends will be mesmerized.

BEER BUSTER 1 bottle of lager beer 1/2 ounce Blue Curacao (orange flavored liqueur) A dash of lime juice 1 ounce vodka

Fill a glass with the entire bottle of beer. Add ice and remaining ingredients to a shaker. Shake it and strain it in a short glass. Drop the shot into the beer.

O

n my journey to frugality, I’ve discovered a myriad of blogs and books that describe all sorts of strategies for saving money. Some strategies I find extremely helpful, and others are simply extreme. While exploring ways to save money on groceries, I am also pursuing a balanced life. As I evaluate costcutting ideas, I want them to enrich my life and give me a better perspective on the future. Frugality is only helpful as long as it makes my life better.

Coupons are an obvious way to save money on groceries, and I’ve looked into ways that they can help reduce our costs. I found that for my husband and me, coupons are a way to save an occasional buck, but they don’t have a big impact on our food budget. Using coupons as a significant money-saver requires a good bit of time and research, and they can sometimes create temptations to buy things that aren’t necessary.

At this point in our lives, it’s not worth the commitment. We make an effort to eat healthy food, and I cook real food from raw ingredients most of the time. I have typically found coupons for processed food and household items, not fresh produce or baking supplies. For me, it’s best to shop for the best price and wait for items to go on sale, rather than utilizing a coupon.

KATIE STEWART

Beer Magic

tubers and woody spices. Out with steamed brook trout, and in with braised pork belly over parsnip puree.

Fall is also a great time for spicy foods.

So today, I give you pumpkin curry. On your next visit to McDade’s, pause at the display and grab a bunch of pumpkins. You can store them as a display until you are ready to eat them, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing all those Halloweens when you just scooped ‘em out and carved ’em up and left them to wither on your porch.

PS: They really hate that.

PUMPKIN CURRY

1 medium pumpkin 1 yellow onion 6 cloves garlic 1 green bell pepper 1 red bell pepper 1/2 bunch green onions 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons Madras Curry powder 1 teaspoon turmeric

I have found that it is more effective for me to cook from scratch than to search for prepared food coupons. For example, I have taken to using my bread machine. It produces delicious, healthy bread with minimal effort. If my alternative is cheap store-bought bread filled with lots of preservatives and unnecessary sugar, I’ll choose homemade every time.

As I’ve experimented and done research on budget shopping, it has become increasingly clear that moderation is key. Coupons are not the primary way I save money, but they may work perfectly for someone else. Others may not have time or energy to cook with fresh ingredients all the time, but it works for me. At a different stage of life, my best strategy could change. While we budget our money and time, we have to set goals we can reasonably accomplish.

Our budget works best when we have a specific goal in mind.

Our short-term goal may be to spend $100 or less on groceries this month, but that goal needs to be applied to a long-term goal for it to be effective. Is your goal paying off debt? Saving for a trip? Putting away enough money to cope with unexpected costs? Whatever the priority, small choices can add up to big results, and we’re much more motivated to live simply, without waste, when we have the big picture in mind.

from our roastery, to your cup. voted best coffeeshop in jackson 2003-2010

jacksonfreepress.com

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THE GREEN ROOM FOR SERIOUS BILLIARDS

Voted Best Place to Play Pool!

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0 $2 OURS) November 3 - 9, 2010

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Tues. - Fri. 11am - 3pm, Closed Sat. 182 Raymond Rd. in Jackson, MS Telephone: 601-373-7707 E-mail: lumpkinsbbq@comcast.net

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Cool Al’s (4654 McWillie, 601-713-3020) A standard in Best of Jackson, Cool Al’s signature stacked, messy, decadent, creative burgers defy adjectives. Or try pineapple chicken, smoked sausage...or the nationally recognized veggie burger. And don’t forget the fries, from curly to sweet potato with a choice of salts and toppings.

Fenian’s Pub (901 E. Fortification St. 601-948-0055) Classic Irish pub featuring a menu of traditional food, pub sandwiches and beers such as Guinness and Harp on tap. Free live music most nights; Irish/Celtic bands on Thursdays.

Stamps Superburgers (1801 Dalton Street 601-352-4555) Huge burgers will keep you full until the next day! The homestyle fries are always fresh, cut by hand using white potatoes with traditional, lemon pepper, seasoning salt or Cajun seasoning.

Fitzgeralds at the Hilton (1001 East County Line Road, 601-957-2800) Top-shelf bar food with a Gulf Coast twist like Gumbo Ya Ya, Pelahatchie artisan sausage and cheese antipasto. Grilled oysters; fried stuff—oysters, catfish, shrimp, seafood or chicken!

Hal and Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St. 601-948-0888) Pub favorites meet Gulf Coast and Cajun specialties like red beans and rice, the Oyster Platter or each day’s blackboard special. Plus sandwiches, burgers, nachos and other staples. Repeat winner of Best of Jackson’s “Best Place for Live Music.”

Last Call (3716 I-55 N. Frontage Road 601-713-2700) Burgers, sandwiches and po-boys, plus sports-bar appetizers and specialities. Try chili cheese fries, chicken nachos or the shrimp & pork eggrolls. Pay-per-view sporting events, live bands.

Martin’s Restaurant and Lounge (214 South State Street 601-354-9712) Lunch specials, pub appetizers (jalapeno poppers, cheezsticks, fried pickles) or order from the full menu of po-boys and entrees. Full bar, massive beer selection and live music most nights.

The Regency (400 Greymont Ave. 601-969-2141) Reasonably priced buffet Monday through Friday featuring all your favorites. Daily happy hour, live bands and regular specials.

Time Out Sports Café (6720 Old Canton Road 601-978-1839) 14 TVs, 1 projector and two big-screens. Daily $9 lunch specials, pub-style appetizers, burgers, seafood and catfish po-boys, salads, and hot entrees including fish, steak and pasta.

Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St. 601-960-2700) Pub food with a southern flair: beer-battered onion rings, chicken & sausage gumbo, salads, sandwiches and weekly lunch specials. Plus, happy hour 4-7pm Monday through Friday.

Poets Two (1855 Lakeland Drive, Suite H-10, 601-364-9411) Pub fare at its finest. Crabcake minis, fried dills, wings, poppers, ultimate fries, sandwiches, po-boys, pasta entrees and steak. The signature burgers come in bison, kobe, beef or turkey!

Happy hour everyday til 7 p.m.

Sportsman’s Lodge (1120 E Northside Dr. in Maywood Mart) 601-366-5441 Voted Best Sports Bar in 2010, Sportman’s doesn’t disappoint with plenty of gut-pleasing sandwiches, and fried seafood baskets. Try the award-winning wings in Buffalo, Thai or Jerk sauces!

Underground 119 (119 South President St. 601-352-2322) Jumbo lump crabcakes, crab quesadillas, beef tenderloin parfaits, orange-garlic shrimp, even “lollipop” lamb chops. Add a full bar and mix in great music. Opens 4 p.m.-until, Wed-Sat.

natural grocery

C C NUT The Perfect Food

ASIAN

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

Julep (1305 East Northside Drive, Highland Village, 601-362-1411) Tons of Best of Jackson awards, delicious Southern fusion dishes like award-winning fried chicken, shrimp and grits, blackened tuna and butter bean hummus. Brunch, lunch, dinner and late night.

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

Located downtown near MC Law School.

HEALTHY TIP:

coconut oil is great for your skin, it’s a healthy low-sugar snack and full of vitamins & nutrients jacksonfreepress.com

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

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

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

39

www.thepizzashackjackson.com

VOTED BEST PIZZA - BEST OF JACKSON 2010 AND 2009 -

2 NEW PIZZAS & NEW BEERS! Stop in and try our Pizza Margherita and our Cordon Blue Pizza Now Serving Tall Grass Ale and Diamond Bear Pale Ale

November 3 - 9, 2010

Dine-In / Carry-Out

40

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

601-352-2001 1220 N. State St.

(across from Baptist Medical Center)

CATERING AVAILABLE

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

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

steak, seafood & fINe dINING Parker House (104 South East Madison Drive, Ridgeland 601-856-0043) European and Creole take on traditional Southern ingredients in Olde Town Ridgeland. Crawfish, oysters, crab and steaks dominate, with creative option like Crab Mac â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Cheese, Oysters Rockefeller and Duck Jezebel. Or enjoy lighter fare (and a plate lunch special) during lunch hours!

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

Huntingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille (1001 East County Line Road, 601-957-3191) Huntington Grille has received Wine Spectators Award of Excellence and Americas Top Restaurant Award from Wine Enthusiast magazine for four years. Menu offers fine Southern food and Gulf Coast choices with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;big gameâ&#x20AC;? twist.

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

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

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

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

Ruchi India (862 Avery Blvd, Ridgeland, 601-991-3110) Now in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new, beautiful location, serving a full menu of Indian dishes with authentic offerings from around the country. Beef, chicken, lamb, vegetarian and other offerings. Popular lunchtime buffet and anniversary pricing this fall!

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

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

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

2003-2010, Best of Jackson

707 N. Congress Street Downtown Jackson â&#x20AC;˘ (601) 353-1180 Open 11am-2pm, Sunday thru Friday

Jackson

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

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

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

Italian Done Right.

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

mexIcaN/LatIN amerIcaN Fuego Mexican Cantina (318 South State Street,601-592-1000) Next to Club Fire in downtown, Fuego is Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-new Mexican restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;complete with the monster menu! Nachos, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, combo plates, even veggie options,are offered right alongside the margarita pitchers you expect. Arriba!

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

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

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41

Anusara Yoga Immersion - Part Two November 5, 5:30pm to November 21, 5:30pm

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Cost of Registration $500 The main subjects of the Immersion are philosophy, Universal Principles of Alignment, the breath, meditation & contemplation, and anatomy. The fundamental principles within each of these subjects are repeated in each of the three parts of the Immersion. Each part of the Immersion is progressive and takes the student deeper and into more refinement in the Anusara principles.

We will meet November 5-7 and November 19-21.

Fridays: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sundays: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

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In a recent JFP Radio broadcast, Todd played a song by Vasti Jackson called “My Computer Turned On Me.” I can relate to this right now since my Mac crashed a week ago while I was installing some fonts. Since that time, I have used five different computers to get my work done. Yes, five. The Mac is on the mend, and I hope to return to it soon, but I can’t help but wonder if I would not have been as stressed out about the situation if I stuck to all of my wellness goals.

If I was consistent about spending time outdoors, knitting a few scarves or actually remembering to do my breathing exercises, maybe I would have ... oh, never mind. I’m not even going there. I’m just going to start afresh and change my strategy a little.

I am going to set up reminders on my online calendar or my cell phone to help me remember my goals. Otherwise, I will be so caught up in my day-to-day responsibilities that I’ll never remember to do them.

Well, back to the drawing board!

—Latasha Willis

When we first talked about doing this wellness blog, I was super excited! But I quickly fell off the wagon.

And instead of getting up and trying again, I just gave up. But recently I’ve accomplished some baby steps that I am very proud of. And although right now they don’t seem very monumental, if I keep at it, I will see positive change.

Here are my baby steps: • I walked in the HeartWalk a few Sundays ago. I only did the mile route, but I walked.

• I purchased Omega-3 supplements and a multivitamin that have I been faithfully taking every morning.

• I have been eating tilapia at least once a week for lunch or dinner.

• I have been replacing my usual favorite side dishes of rice or potatoes with sautéed or roasted veggies.

• I’ve been drinking more water.

• In my search for a new church home, I have visited two churches and plan to visit a third next Sunday.

—ShaWanda Jacome

November 3 - 9, 2010

Not Bad

42

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Thanks to ShaWanda, I had a relatively healthy emergency lunch replacement. I came without a mid-day meal (I’ve been a brown-bagger all my life) and was fully expecting to silently go hungry until I got home tonight. But what did I find but

Skinny Bagels!

Skinny bagels!

They’re called Bagel Thins. They’re flat bagels, not nearly as dense as normal ones due to the size, but they still have the right texture and are a little more moist than usual. They only have 110 calories each, too!

Then the light cream cheese she brought only had 60 calories per serving.

No, this is not an ideal meal. But it’s a pretty healthy snack to tide me over between that delicious peach I had for breakfast and the handmade yakisoba burgers my husband is grilling for dinner tonight.

As a side note, I’ve been buying burger buns of this style lately, and I like them a lot. They’re tough enough to hold the burger and all its components together, but not as dry as a pita pocket and only about 100 calories, too.

I love finding new meal components like this, things that cut out the unnecessary filler calories so I have more room for veggies.

—Kristin Breneman

Oy Vey This past weekend, I spent about 34 hours in a car with six other adults driving to and from the Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington, D.C. Beyond that, I spent another seven hours or so on my feet at Saturday’s event, trying to find a place to see and hear one of the four JumboTrons on the National Mall, or trying to extricate myself from the traffic jams of bodies I encountered who were all trying to do the same thing.

By Sunday, I found myself struggling just to stand upright when we stopped for breaks on the road. Everything hurt: my feet, my hips, my back, even my neck from craning around to talk to the folks behind me when I road shotgun. I began to grok in earnest Bette Davis’ quote: “Getting old is not for sissies.”

Time was, I could road-trip with the best of ’em. In my 20s and 30s, I thought nothing of getting in a car at midnight after working a full day, clubbing in the evening, and then driving through the night to go visit friends or get to some other locale several hundred miles away. After spending the weekend wandering and having fun, I’d get in the car on Sunday night, drive all night and show up to work on Monday morning. Now, I need at least a full eight hours of sleep to recover, not to mention some physical therapy to get the kinks out of my back, knees and hips. Oy. There is, of course, a way to counter much of the discomfort I felt on this trip, and the advice is simple: 1) lose weight; and 2) exercise more. It seems that’s the advice to follow for so many of the health issues I encounter. Not bad advice; think I’ll follow it better so that I can be at the next rally.

—Ronni Mott

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