Holland’s Gulf of America Bill Sweeping the Nation
To understand his bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in state waters off the Mississippi coast, you have to understand that Holland is one of the most progressive and most eccentric members of the House. He's also one of the longest serving and most knowledgeable about the inner-workings of the Legislature. He's not exactly hid his disdain for the fact that Speaker Philip Gunn not only didn't give him a committee chairmanship but left him off the committees he's served on for two decades. In fact, Holland quipped to me yesterday that every member of the Legislature should be arrested for loitering on public property because they "aren't doing ####."
In short, Steve Holland is a jokester, not a racist. So it's been funny to see the reaction to Holland's bill -- which is now a trending topic on Twitter -- from people who have preconceived idea in their heads about Mississippi and the way Mississippians think because they watched Mississippi Burning in 6th Grade one time. An organization of Republicans who want America and the GOP to be more immigrant responded by posting an open letter to Holland on their website.
"Apparently you don’t take your responsibilities seriously. Surely the State of Mississippi has more pressing matters to attend to than this. Did you stop to think of the expense of rewriting textbooks or changing maps?," wrote Bob Quasius, president of Cafe Con Leche. "For that matter, did you stop to think about what this bill would do to Mississippi’s reputation? If this bill passes the legislature and is signed into law, perhaps it is time to rename the Mississippi River. After all, sharing a name with a state that wants to rewrite maps out of disdain for Mexicans would be a disgrace to the rest of the nation."
A few people do get the joke, it seems. "Does Rep. Holland secretly write for @theonion?," one person tweeted. Another: "My friend #steveholland and his Swiftian proposal are getting great national press! Huzzah!"
As a storyline that's already seen car chases, nation-wide manhunts and a cameo by the Antichrist, it's fitting that the next installment of the Mississippi Pardongate saga featured a dramatic courtroom scene.
Today, the Mississippi Supreme Court heard arguments from Attorney General Jim Hood, lawyers for former Gov. Haley Barbour and minimum-security inmates who worked at the governor's mansion.
Hood convinced a Hinds County judge to temporarily block the pardons and commutations of some 200 former felons, many violent offenders, to determine if felons had complied with a constitutional provision to notify the public of their pardon. Last week, the state Supreme Court stepped in, and this morning, the two sides made their cases to the full panel of the Mississippi Supreme Court.
It wasn't long into the presentation of Tom Fortner, lawyer for four former governor's mansion trustys, before justices began pressing Fortner on his claim that the Barbour pardons are not open to judicial review. The governor can reach into prison and pardon whomever he wants, Fortner said.
"I'm not arguing that you don't have any judicial review. I'm arguing that judicial review ends if the pardons are valid on their face," Fortner said.
Charles Griffin, Barbour's attorney, followed Fortner and made a similar argument: "The governor's decision is simply not open to judicial review."
Justice Michael K. Randolph asked Griffin whether files on the mansion inmates have surfaced, to which Barbour's lawyer responded that the mansion inmates never requested pardons. Rather, Griffin reiterated what Barbour himself has consistently said, which is that the pardons were based on living files based on Barbour's observations.
Lawyers for several other pardonees who remain in prison also spoke for about five minutes each.
Matt Steffey, a professor of constitutional law at Mississippi College, said the governor has the authority to interpret, apply, or waive the publication provision for pardons, and no one has a legal right to challenge them.
"The governor can pardon--for a good reason, a bad reason, or no reason at all," Steffey told the Jackson Free Press Wednesday night.
Given the publication requirement has never been raised until now--which includes during Hood's entire tenure that began in 2004--Steffey said it's hard to interpret Hood's actions as "anything but political."
When Hood began his presentation, he hadn't spoken long before the justices began challenging the AG on his interpretation of Section 124 of the Constitution, that pardons are invalid until an application is made.
One justice asked whether Gov. Phil Bryant could have pardoned Edwin Hart Turner before his execution unless Turner published for 30 days. Hood maintained that Bryant could have commuted Turner's sentence because commutations aren't subject to the 30-day requirement.
Several justices asked Hood about his office's involvement in securing the pardons. Barbour has long held that David Scott, an assistant attorney general, advised Barbour's office on the pardon process; Hood countered that Scott advised Barbour's people to look at the Constitution.
"David Scott, he's just conveying the messages back and forth," Hood said.
Chief Justice William Waller Jr. said no decision will be made from the bench today.
Change, moderator Othor Cain said, was the theme of a Feb. 7 forum at the Jackson Medical Mall. Nine candidates vying to represent Ward 3 on the Jackson City Council discussed crime, street improvement and economic development.
Kenneth Stokes, who was the Ward 3 councilman for 23 years, stepped down after voters elected him as a Hinds County supervisor last fall. To fill his council spot, the city is holding a special election Feb. 14. His wife, Larita Cooper-Stokes, is a candidate for the Ward 3 spot; however, she didn't attend the candidate forum. Neither did the Rev. John Taylor Jr., another one of the 11 candidates.
None of the candidates criticized Stokes or his work on the council, except to make indirect comments about attending all meetings and building consensus with other council members.
Dorothy Stewart, founder of forum sponsor Women for Progress, got tired of the repeated messages Tuesday night. After an hour of listening to candidates respond in one-minute and 30-second sound bites to questions from a panel of journalists and from audience members, Stewart took the microphone and told the candidates she was disappointed. She said she was looking for bold statements about change.
"I have not heard anything different," Stewart said. Each candidate got a 30-second opportunity to be bold for her. One by one, they responded.
Darla Palmer, a criminal attorney, said Ward 3 had a lack of unity. Albert Wilson, the casually dressed founder of Genesis and Light Center, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth, said it's not about how you dress, it's about rolling up your sleeves. Patricia Williams, a minister in training, said she would listen to everyone and make connections.
"I will fix Ward 3," former educator Joyce Jackson said. "The ward didn't just get like this overnight." She is a funeral home director and a member of the city's planning commission.
Being bold, Harrison Michael II said, was about being a man of character, being honest, having integrity and persevering. Michael, like Albert Wilson, ran for the position in 2009.
Beneta Burt said it was about having a whole new way of thinking to go after what the ward needs in different ways. As an example, she cited the $5 million in grants she got for the community through the Mississippi Roadmap to Health Equity.
Zachery Williams stressed his business experience, his desire to reduce crime and a need for equal representation of all Ward 3 residents. Gwendolyn Ward Osborne-Chapman said she wanted to see unification. Earlier in the forum, she often mentioned the importance of family, tradition and respect.
"I'd like to see the community be healthy," Sameerah Muhammad, a restaurant owner, said. "I'd like be able to look at liquor licenses."
Stewart listened to the responses, shaking her head at points. She came back to the microphone to tell the candidates she still wasn't hearing what she needed. This time, she asked about what they would do about education. Since there wasn't enough time for each candidate to respond, moderator Cain allowed four candidates--the first four who spoke up--to respond.
Michael, Burt, Wilson and Jackson grabbed the chance. Michael said that as a JPS teacher, he would not be able to vote on a new school superintendent or school board members, but he could advise the council on what is needed. Wilson said money resolves a lot of ills.
"It's vitally important to have the right superintendent over our school system," Burt said.
Jackson said truancy was a problem. "I will see laws are enforced," she said. During the evening, she mentioned to the audience a couple of times that "I taught your children."
Women for Progress, The Mississippi Link, The Jackson Advocate and The Jackson Association of Black Journalists sponsored the event. Cain, the moderator, is editor of The Mississippi Link.
Jackson Free Press Editor-in-Chief Donna Ladd was on the media panel.
Last season was historic for the Jackson State Lady Tigers softball team. Under first-year head coach Rick Fremin, the team won more than 20 games for the fourth time in program history. More importantly, the Lady Tigers won their first Southwestern Athletic Conference softball championship. JSU received a bid to the Alabama regional and faced the Crimson Tide in their opening game. The Lady Tigers lost two straight games, however, ending their season.
Fremin was hired right before the season started last year, but his team got a full offseason to work with him after the season ended.
Today, Jackson State starts the 2012 season against Southeast Missouri at 4 p.m. at the JSU Softball Complex. The Lady Tigers success rides on infielder Wendi Reed.
The JSU softball program started in 1996, and the Lady Tigers would love to build on last season's success. Reed will have to play just as well or even better this season for JSU to repeat as SWAC champions.
Reed is from Little Rock, Ark. She led the team or was near the top of every statistical category for the Lady Tigers last season. She had a .338 batting average with 51 hits for a JSU team that finished the season 26-20.
As a junior last season, Reed had six doubles, seven triples and eight home runs with 29 RBIs. Reed was named to the preseason SWAC All Conference team after scoring 46 runs in the 2010 season.
The JSU softball program started in 1996 and the lady tigers would love to build on last season's success. Reed will have to play just as well this season or even better for JSU to repeat as SWAC champions.
On defense, Reed had a .941 fielding percentage with eight double plays. Reed had 21 strikeouts and 12 errors in the field, which is something she could improve.
The team started slowly before catching fire late into last season. JSU went 14-3 in conference play and beat Mississippi Valley State 6-2 to win the SWAC Championship.
The Lady Tigers will play at home today, and then go to play in the SE Louisiana Tournament this weekend. JSU will face Troy, Northern Colorado, Southern, Kansas and Nicholls State in the tournament this weekend.
WAPT general manager Stuart Kellogg speaks at Friday Forum at Koinonia Coffee House. Free; email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). ... Clarinetist James Sclater and pianist Angie Willoughby perform at 7 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (205 W. Main St., Raymond). Free; call 601-857-2994 or 601-857-8041. ... Bloodbird, ¡Los Buddies!, and Frank and the Meltones perform at the Jeremy Polk Benefit Concert at 7 p.m. at North Midtown Arts Center. $10. ... Lightnin' Malcolm performs at 7 p.m. at the Blue Front Cafe. $10. ... The Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball is at 7 p.m. at The Castle of Raymond (1479 Pine Hill Drive, Raymond). Kolective Rhythm and Tawanna Shunte perform. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $160 table of eight; call 601-922-0100. ... The Valentine Sweetheart Gala is at 8 p.m. at Union Train Station (300 W. Capitol St.). Christopher Williams performs. Singles: $65 in advance, $75 at the door; couples: $125 in advance, $135 at the door; call 601-209-8181 or 601-826-3969. ... Luckenbach plays at McB's. ... Trademark performs at Reed Pierce's. ... Snazz is at Shucker's.
In 2008, Chris Cagle left Nashville and the country music business. He spent the next couple of years building Big Horse Ranch in Marietta, Okla., from the ground up while starting a family.
Now, Cagle is back on the road promoting his upcoming, as-yet unnamed album, due out in April. It will be the singer-songwriter's fifth studio release and his first for the Bigger Picture Group label. The album's first single, "Got My Country On," has climbed the Billboard Country Singles chart since September.
Cagle takes that momentum to the stage at the Mississippi Coliseum Feb. 10 during the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. A man who's only happy with a guitar in his hands or his feet in stirrups, Cagle should fit right in at the fairgrounds this weekend.
How is the tour going?
It's good. It's really kind of just started, man. We haven't had anything to really tour about in a long time. We have a new single out in the radio that's doing really well. The song is top 30 now.
Hopefully we'll have a good showing. We've got a lot of belief in this record and in this song.
Where did music play a part in your life when you were away from it professionally?
It didn't. When I got away from it, I got away from it. I put it down. I didn't even listen to the radio much. I had to find me again. This business is tough, man. If you're soft hearted or big hearted or naive, you completely get taken advantage of, and I did. And it made me a different person. I'm excited about that new person. I'm still me—I still got a big heart and I still love people—but nobody's going to get me this time.
You mention AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd as influences. Do you have to consciously keep a balance of country and rock in your music?
Nope, I don't do that at all. If I do that, then I'm lying to you. I write a song, and if the song makes the record, it makes the record. It come out of me so it's got to be somewhere in between country and rock 'n' roll. And that's it.
When I was on Capitol Records, I had to be real careful with it. There are a lot of songs that I had on hold that I didn't get to sing because of what they thought I should be. And it sucked. I'm in a position now where I'm not going to sit and sing a song that I don't 100 percent believe is me, or especially just because I want to make some president of a record label happy and try to get him to like me. So, I'm in a position now where everything that goes on my record, I will hold my chin up—especially if it comes from me as a writer.
Do you get excited about playing rodeos?
Oh yeah. I love Dixie National. We've played down there before, and I've always enjoyed it. I enjoy getting out and going and looking through the show barns at the horses and the pigs and all the steers and things like that. It's just always a ball to go walking around. I'd rather walk around with a smoked turkey leg looking at livestock than be in an amusement park.
See Chris Cagle Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Visit http://www.mdac.ms.gov.
Murph Caciedo is one face you might not recognize in public. This semi-shy, talented and friendly guy, while unknown to most Jacksonians, is arguably the hardest-working musician in the city. He started some of the best bands in Jackson and still plays drums, sings and writes songs for four bands.
I caught up with Caciedo recently at Fenian's Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055). I clumsily spilled my drink all over the table. But as a good drummer does, Caciedo quickly cleaned up my mess without even missing a beat.
"Are you OK?" He asked.
This nice guy's history is steeped in music. His parents were both musical and encouraging, and when he turned 7, he began to play the drums. Growing up in a military family, he honed his chops in Tacoma and Seattle, Wash., before his dad uprooted the family and moved them closer to his mother in Pearl. At age 15, he received his first drum kit and has been playing ever since. Caciedo credits his dad for pushing him to learn different Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin songs. When he mastered them, his dad would buy him more equipment. His parents still come to some of his shows.
Goolosh was Caciedo's first band, founded early in high school. Another high-school band, Kitty Foyle, followed. His first gigging band was Probable Cause. When that band took breaks, he would have to go outside because of the patrons' debaucherous acts and the fact he was still a teenager.
He graduated from bar cover band to start the punk band Storms for St. Louis with Brad Walker and Josh Little. Caciedo also played with Jackson punkers The Tuff Luvs. The band was together for eight years, released two albums and had Universal Records' interest, but never saw its big break come to fruition.
Caciedo's sixth band, Redneck Trucker, featured Sam Smith, Lenny Bradshaw and Mike Dollar. The band turned up and tuned out, playing a mix of southern rock, punk and grunge. Caciedo drummed for friend and singer Eric Luttrell's band, Nox, and he also managed to squeeze in some drumming time with The Pates Family for two years. He also played with Luttrell's short-lived 1990s tribute band, Dixieattle.
"People still want to hear '80s music. They still want to hear Poison and Warrant," Caciedo says.
Two years ago at a New Orleans Saints football party, Caciedo ran into another local-music badass, bassist Don Hawkins of Roosevelt Noise. The two hit it off immediately, and along with Roosevelt Noise's Drew McKercher, formed Spacewolf, which has become one of Jackson's most sought-after rock bands. Spacewolf will put out an album in 2012.
Caciedo's 11th band, Frank and the Meltones, was created during a raucous practice session between Spacewolf and Los Buddies, neighbors in the Midtown Arts District. Caciedo moseyed over to Los Buddies' practice to say hello, and they asked him to sing. It was Caciedo's first rock-singer role, and he says he was "terrified" the first few times he sang to eager fans. Drums had always been his security blanket. He has overcome his stage fright since. Caciedo says it's his friends who always saw his potential of being the frontman, and he's getting used to vocalizing things he never could say.
Guillermo is Caciedo's newest band, with veteran rockers Kurt Thomas and Josh Little. This punk trio looks forward to an album release some time this year. Caciedo has gotten so comfortable with being a band's frontman, he has started another hardcore rock band with Spacewolf members and JD Burns (formerly of Deltagun and now with Coffin Breath) called Hinges, and they too are releasing an album in 2012.
While Caciedo has many band practices and recording sessions this year, he's seen plenty of recording time with Lizz Strowd, Caroline Crawford and Misha Hercules, as well as playing on the Skate Mississippi compilation album in 2011.
Caciedo is also making a name for himself collegiately. His friend Daniel Guaqueta, a drummer and musician, works at Belhaven University. Guaqueta asked Caciedo to play percussion for Belhaven's dance department, making his hobby a full-time career. When he plays percussion for dance students, he makes each drum note "a part of the dance," he says. Caciedo teaches private drumming lessons at his studio.
He says his family drives him to be successful, even his younger brother, Corey, who has autism and lives with his parents.
"I want to do the best I can, because I want my little brother to be provided for one day and to have the best care possible," Caciedo says.
He shared this philosophical gem while we chatted at Fenian's: "Music is like golf: Out there, it's just you and the ball."
When you're in the mood for awesome music and want to meet a solid, friendly drummer who works hard to promote the music, come hear one of Caciedo's bands.
Spacewolf is performing at Martin's Feb. 17 with Bloodbird. Follow any of the bands on MySpace or Facebook.
CORRECTION: We spelled the band names Goolosh and Kitty Foyle wrong in an earlier edition. We apologize for the mistake.
NFL hall-of-fame voters got one thing right this year: electing New Orleans Saints former offensive tackle Willie Roaf to the hall.
Thursday, Feb. 9
College basketball (6-8 p.m. ESPN): Ole Miss is looking to sweep MSU in this two-game basketball series. Both teams could use a win to look better for the NCAA selection committee.
Friday, Feb. 10
NBA (7-9:30 p.m. ESPN): The Los Angeles Lakers travel cross-country to take on the New York Knicks.
Saturday, Feb 11
College basketball (4-6 p.m. CSS): USM looks to strengthen their position for the big dance with a win over visiting Central Florida.
Sunday, Feb. 12
NBA (2:30-5 p.m. ABC): The aging big three of the Boston Celtics try to reassert themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference at home against the young Chicago Bulls.
Monday, Feb. 13
Women's college basketball (6-8 p.m. ESPN 2): This top-10 showdown between Kentucky and Tennessee in women's basketball is worth the watch.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
College basketball (7-9 p.m. ESPNU): If you have to watch sports on Valentine's Day on the U, you can see Mississippi State take on LSU in Starkville.
Wednesday, Feb. 15
NHL (6:30-9:30 p.m. NBCSN): The defending Stanley Cup champions Boston Bruins travel to Canada to face the Montreal Canadians.
Speaking of Willie Roaf, I remember his rookie year with the Saints. In a game New Orleans was getting blown out in, Roaf gave up his first NFL sack. He cried on the sideline, and it showed how much he cared about not just winning but doing his job.
Congratulations again to Roaf on making it to Canton, Ohio.
Some girls dream of being movie stars. Lexi Worsham dreams of cheerleading.
As a member of the Mississippi Cheerleading Academy Outlaws, a competitive cheerleading squad, Lexi is living her dream. She is merely an eight-grader; however, even at the young age of 14, she is confident in her passion to cheer and in her status as an athlete. When she learned of a recent court decision ruling that cheerleading is not a sport, Lexi's passion for cheering took center stage.
"It is a sport!" She exclaimed. "We practice just as hard as football players. ... All the people who say it isn't a sport have never tried it."
In Biediger v. Quinnipiac University, the women's volleyball team sued the university under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 after the school eliminated the sport from its athletic program to institute competitive cheerleading. Title IX "prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities."
Ruling in favor of the volleyball team, the court held that competitive cheerleading is an athletic undertaking but does not qualify as a varsity sport. It is "too underdeveloped and disorganized" to be considered a "genuine varsity athletic participation" opportunity for women, according to the ruling, which was largely based on the fact that the NCAA has not found competitive cheerleading to be a varsity sport.
Before it considers any sport a varsity sport, the NCAA first requires it to be an "emerging sport," a classification "intended to provide additional athletics opportunities to female student athletes," the NCAA states on its website. Being classified as an emerging sport allows institutions to use the sport to help meet NCAA minimum sports-sponsorship requirements and minimum financial-aid awards.
Today, cheerleading goes beyond sideline entertainment at football games. It has expanded into a genre called "competitive cheerleading," and is popular locally and nationally.
Competitive cheer teams are similar to sideline cheer squads except that their routines are more athletic and aerobatic. Whereas "sideline cheerleaders primarily work to entertain audiences ... competitive cheer teams strictly engage in sport," the Biedeger decision states.
The men and women who make up competitive cheer teams do not consider themselves entertainers. They are athletic competitors. But despite the hard work, agility and strength involved in competitive cheerleading, legally, it is still not regarded as a sport.
Two associations exist for competitive cheerleading: the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association, affiliated with USA Gymnastics; and STUNT of USA Cheer. To the average viewer, they may appear the same. USA Cheer, however, emphasizes its desire to remain in the traditional cheerleading community, while NCATA focuses on the acrobatics and tumbling aspect of the sport.
In 2010, both groups applied for NCAA emerging-sport status. In response, the NCAA requested that the groups collaborate and submit one proposal. "[T]wo similar, competing concepts are confusing and counter-productive to the overall mission and goals of the emerging sports for women program," the NCAA said.
It requested additional data (including participation numbers, diversity of opportunities, specific injury data and risks, growth in youth sport format) and 10 letters of commitment from member institutions that sponsor or intend to sponsor the sport.
David Hanbery is the founder of Deep South Cheer and Dance in Ridgeland, a company that hosts cheer and dance competitions and events throughout the southeast. Using NASCAR as an example, Hanbery says that it is difficult to classify a sport, but agrees that cheerleading is an athletic event.
"At the university level, the athlete's primary role is to be entertainment for the crowd, but for teams that actually compete, it is a sport," he said, adding: "When cheerleaders go to camp, they compete against each other, and it's a big deal. So, since they compete, yes, it's a sport."
Hanbery believes that competitive cheerleading needs to be more structured to develop to the point where it will satisfy the Department of Education and the NCAA requirements. "There needs to be a governing body—a nonprofit organization—in charge, because the NCAA does not have the money to do it," he says.
"Right now, cheerleading is run by industry and large companies who profit from it. It's hard to develop it because so many different people are creating different rules. ... Coaches and participants are going to have get involved and take it over to create standard rules."
Hanbery is optimistic about competitive cheerleading's future. "Eventually, universally, it will be classified as a sport," he says. "Cheerleading is huge and growing all over the world. Within the next decade, it will shift from being a sideline group of people, to a major, competitive sport like gymnastics and ice skating."
March madness could be a great time for Mississippi. As many as four teams could end up getting bids into the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Mississippi State is ranked 19th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, and as long as the team can stay ranked, it is a lock to go dancing. The Bulldogs are in good shape but need to keep winning conference games.
MSU takes on in-state rival Ole Miss this week and Kentucky on Feb. 21. Both will be big games for seeding purposes. A win over the Kentucky Wildcats would make MSU a lock for the tournament.
Southern Miss is 20-3 and finally broke an 18-game losing streak with a win over Memphis Feb. 1. The Golden Eagles have a high RPI but cannot get enough votes to get into the Coaches Poll or AP's Top 25.
Nonetheless, USM is in great shape to make the big dance at this moment. Southern Miss could be playing for a better seed at this point.
Ole Miss has flirted with the NCAA Tournament. Several websites have posted a mock field of 68 teams that will make the tournament, and the Rebels bounce in and out, week to week.
The Rebels face their in-state rival MSU and also have top-ranked Kentucky waiting on them near the end of the season. Ole Miss needs wins and, more than likely, a good showing in the SEC tournament to get an at-large bid.
This could be a historic season for Mississippi in basketball. In all my research, I have not found a time when USM, MSU and Ole Miss all made the NCAA Tournament. If a Mississippi team got the right seed and into the right bracket, it could go on a deep run.
Right now, all three SWAC teams are still in the running for a NCAA Tournament bid. The only SWAC team to get to the dance will be the winner of the conference tournament—it gets the automatic bid.
Mississippi Valley State has the inside track right now at 10-0 in conference play and is in first place. The Delta Devils have a two-game lead over Southern University in Louisiana.
Alcorn State and Jackson State universities both have 3-7 conference records. The Braves and the Tigers will need to get hot in the SWAC Tournament if they are going to go dancing this season.
Our state could have four teams make the big dance, which would be great for these basketball programs. Recruiting would get a big boost from a tournament appearance.
We'll also make history if four teams go dancing, and who doesn't love making history?
When we boarded our plane in Dallas bound to Honolulu in January, I'd had only had two hours' sleep. Inevitably, I tossed and turned in anticipation of getting up at 4 a.m.--and then traveling for more than 12 hours. So when I saw the large man I would have to share my other armrest with, I grimaced.
The man, in military fatigues, quickly jumped to his feet to help me put my bags up above. Once we were settled into our seats, he leaned over with a mini-bottle of Maker's Mark in his right hand, offering it to us.
"I don't drink, and people keep giving me things," he said with a grin. We took it, even though we don't drink it, either. (Yes, I thought of Gov. Barbour, who apparently does.)
As our seatmate got busy figuring out where to put all those legs, I examined his patches out of the corner of my eye. I wondered what that black-and-white flag, pinned to his sleeve, meant. When he pulled out a blue Snuggie and started poking his arms and legs into it, I couldn't help but snicker.
That was his opening. "This thing is great," he said. "Someone sent it to me in Afghanistan. It's great for long plane rides."
As he talked, people were boarding, many of them patting him on the shoulder and thanking him for his service. One of the flight attendants gave him a sandwich, and he offered it to us. We told him we don't eat meat, so he gave it to people across the aisle.
Turned out he was an Army infantry captain, headed home after a tour in Afghanistan, and he was near giddy over the chance to see his wife and 2-month-old little girl. He's from Ohio, but is stationed in Hawaii. As soon as the plane's captain let him, he flipped out in iPad, set it up on his tray table and showed off every possible photo of his wife and daughter. He showed us their apartment, their furniture, the baby bed, the stencils his wife did for the walls. We saw the big-screen TV, and the bookcases, and the bathroom.
After the photos, I asked him about the pinned-on patch on his sleeve. It represented his company in Afghanistan he said, quietly.
About 20 minutes into the flight movie, I poked Todd. Our new buddy was covered by blue fleece, was wearing a huge puffy eye mask over his eyes, and had headphones protruding from his ears. His blond head was dropped forward, and he was napping. I smiled.
Todd and I were already blessed to be on this trip--headed to a paradise we'd never visited, with all our expenses paid by a group that wanted us to help brainstorm ideas for racial reconciliation. In Hawaii, we joined a remarkable group of people to talk about issues that matter so much--and as white folks, we were in the minority in our group and in Hawaii.
Our first session was opened with remarks by a dynamic young Hawaii native who filled us in on the history of the islands, including the tough colonization by the United States that has challenged natives for so long. She talked about how the U.S. military "occupies" 20 percent of Oahu, where we were. She addressed the poverty that the oppressed communities struggled with; she didn't sugarcoat anything, and none of us wanted her to.
But we were there for reconciliation, not for what one of the participants called "frozen anger." As she talked, it was easy to draw parallels with our situation back at home where we face and try to overcome the consequences of our history on a daily basis, not to mention build bridges with others to try to overcome them. I thought of the importance of discerning between institutional problems and individuals who mean well, especially in such a politically divisive country and world.
I got to know the young woman, Dawn, during the next several days. She, like the others at this gathering, wasn't about getting stuck in that "frozen anger"; we all believed in acknowledging historic issues and then using their lessons to get past it. And she appreciates life as much as we do.
While in Hawaii, I became obsessed with all the tropical fruit I'd never seen. So she would stop at the fruit stand and get me some--like the red, fuzzy rambutan with little soft tendrils--and bring it to the hotel. She pointed out those fabulous spurts on the top of the whales when we toured the island. She took us to a beach where two huge sea turtles were dug into the sand (surrounded by guards).
She had us meet next to the bay while a wonderfully diverse group of teenagers practiced rowing in those long outrigger canoes. She told me that the pink cake that melted in my mouth like cotton candy was a guava chiffon. (I recommend it). She explained why my potato salad was purple at the buffet before the Polynesian hula and fire dancing.
All along the way, Dawn talked about the highlights of her home state, along with the challenges. She is one of the most life-loving people I've ever met, and also one of the most informed about real history. She is engaged, and she is working to make her postage stamp of the world a better place for its people.
During our weekend tour of the island--with five of us crammed into a convertible--I told her and others about the Army captain I'd met on the plane. He was one of the most loving strangers I'd ever met, I told them. I wondered if he was always that way--or if being away from his loved ones had made him more that way. I suspect both were true.
On our last day, Todd and I went for a driving tour of the island using a detailed itinerary Dawn had emailed us early that morning. As we drove along gorgeous coastline near the "blowhole" (look it up), I thought of the captain again; he had been the first person to use that strange word to me.
As we'd prepared to land in Honolulu, the captain was bursting with excitement to see his wife and baby. But, first, he had to tell us all about the island he'd grown to call home. He pointed out the window so we could see the mountains, telling us what we were seeing (from Diamond Head to the U.S.S. Arizona) and giving us instructions on where to drive (the same route Dawn would choose later).
When we landed, he jumped out of his seat and said goodbye. A few seconds later, we saw him coming back down the aisle against the traffic. He reached out his hand. "I want you to have these," he said, handing us two of his Army-green infantry patches. Then he ran off to say "aloha" to his girls.
Unemployment figures in the United States continued their downward trend last month from the most recent high of 10.2 percent in October 2009.
January's jobless rate declined by 0.2 percent to 8.3 percent from 8.5 percent in December, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate has fallen by 0.8 percent since August 2011. The total number of unemployed Americans nationwide declined to 12.8 million in January from about 13 million in December.
Much of the increase in employment was in the private sector, with manufacturing, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality industries seeing significant growth; government employment rates changed little.
Mississippi has the fourth-highest unemployment rate of any state in the union. The BLS' most recent unemployment statistics for Mississippi are from December 2011. At that time, the state's unemployment rate dropped to 10.4 percent from 10.5 percent in November 2011, and the total number of unemployed persons declined to roughly 139,000 from 142,000 in November.
The rate in Mississippi counties varied widely, from a low of 6.2 percent in Rankin County to a high of 19.1 percent in Clay County. Only seven counties had rates equal to or lower than the national unemployment rate.
A hard-drive crash that forced me to reinstall the operating system on my 4-year-old MacBook interrupted work on this week's column.
My original column was looking at the iPad as a personal computer, a topic that gained some attention earlier this month after a noted tech columnist (who is a faithful Windows user) proclaimed the iPad the new, and perhaps first, truly personal computer.
The debate that ensued centered around all the things an iPad cannot do. Most of it came down to programming, graphic design and running certain apps.
My take is simple: The iPad is not meant to replace the personal computer for everyone, but it certainly is more than capable of being a standalone machine for many. My recent laptop issues forced me to consider this for a day, so I decided to share how the iPad works for me as a personal computer.
Email
The iPad is my main email machine. I can triage my inbox in record time on the iPad. It also helps me to keep responses tighter because I'm naturally not going to type as much on an iPad keyboard as a regular keyboard.
Read
Whether books or news feeds, the iPad is my main reading machine. I follow more than 100 news feeds, read four different newspapers, four magazines, always have at least two books going and have even come back to reading comics. The best Bible I've ever owned—the English Standard Version—is an app on the iPad, and it is beautiful! All my reading materials reside on my iPad.
Write
While I don't do a lot of writing on my iPad, I do some. I've got a Bluetooth keyboard that I carry with me. The plethora of great writing apps for the iPad helps tremendously.
Social Media
My iPhone is my main Twitter machine, but the iPad is a close second. Ditto for Facebook. Developers first designed the native apps for both for the iPad and then scaled them for the iPhone. It made the apps much nicer than the original iPhone versions.
File Management
Using Dropbox and GoodReader apps, I can pretty much manage files on the iPad much like I do on my laptop. I keep most of my active files in Dropbox, so they are accessible anywhere. GoodReader is also my go-to app for handling PDFs. It allows me to highlight and take notes.
Pages and Numbers
These two apps are Apple's answer to Microsoft Word and Excel, respectively. On my Mac, I rarely open Microsoft products. In fact, I rarely, if ever, open Word. I still use Excel, however, from time to time.
On the iPad, Pages is serviceable. Numbers, however, is great. It doesn't have the higher functions of Excel, but it has the necessary functions I need. The design approach is superb, and grouping and segmenting data is easier.
Brainstorming
I use outlines and mind maps all the time for new projects. I don't do these on my Mac; I do them on the iPad. OmniOutliner is my go-to outliner app. For mind maps, I use iThoughtsHD. Both are spectacular.
Fun Stuff
Netflix, Hulu, podcasts, iTunes, comics, even a remote for my Apple TV—they all get a good workout on my iPad.
OmniFocus
This is the big one, my most-used app. It's my outboard brain. For anyone who adheres to David Allen's "Getting Things Done" approach to productivity and task management, OmniFocus is a must have. It's not cheap, but it is worth every penny.
This is where I track every project I have. The only time I fail to do something is either when: (a) I don't put it into OmniFocus; or (b) I go more than a day without checking OmniFocus.
Of course, some things I can't do on the iPad or can't do as well. For instance, I sell books and collectibles online as a hobby. I use barcode scanners and a label printer that require a Mac. I also do web development, and that requires a Mac. Writing, too, is faster for me on a Mac.
At the end of the day, if I was forced to choose between an iPad or a laptop, I'd have to go with the laptop. For me, the iPad is not yet the first truly personal computer. My MacBook holds that title.
I am loving Workflowy.com right now, the oddly named, completely free outlining tool that will surprise you. Its simplicity is deceiving. It's sort of like a wiki meets the outlining tool in Word, but if you're anything like me, you may find you get hooked on Workflowy as a straightforward—dare I say, lazy?—solution to effectively handle your tasks, projects, even your assignments back and forth with co-workers and employees.
Workflowy is based on multi-level outlines, where each sub-item can become its own outline, and each outline can become its own page, which you can then print, share with others, mark items "complete" and so on.
Workflowy reformats for phones and tablets, but there's still some work to be done, particularly on collaboration and sharing tools.
Still, I suggest you spend a minute or two with the intro video on their site—you may find yourself as hooked as I am!
Nothing brings the inequality and foibles of our justice system into stark relief like an upcoming execution. As lawyers battle over last-minute efforts to save a human life, it's impossible not to weigh one man's sentence of death against others who receive lesser sentences—or even pardons—for equivalent crimes.
In Mississippi, as in every other state in the land, justice is unequally meted out. Whether a murderer gets a sentence of several years, life or the death penalty is dependent on many factors: Can he or she put the blame on someone else and cut a deal with the prosecution? Can the perpetrator afford a top-of-the-line attorney, or will he depending on an overworked or inexperienced public defender? Is the defendant able to assist with her defense, or is she mentally unable to grasp the significance of her decisions? Will he or she plead guilty because lawyers offer no other option?
After the verdict comes in, in today's legal climate, it's not enough to show that an attorney or judge made errors in a case to make a successful appeal. The errors must be so egregious that, as one attorney recently told us, "you have to beat them by two touchdowns."
Convicts in Mississippi, like most states, can appeal to the governor for clemency, such as a reduction in sentence or outright pardon. Because the fact of innocence alone is not enough to warrant granting an appeal, the governor's powers of clemency is a crucial part of the judicial process. In some cases, it is the last and only option a defendant has left.
Regardless of whether someone can prove he or she has not received a fair trial, an execution makes the entire argument moot. Once the doctor puts the lethal drugs into a convict's veins, the option of reprieve is off the table.
That's why, in 2003, Illinois Gov. George Ryan commuted the sentence of all 167 of that state's death row prisoners. "Our capital system is haunted by the demon of error—error in determining guilt, and error in determining who among the guilty deserves to die," Ryan said in a speech.
Lawyers are trained to be right. They are trained to advocate for their client regardless of guilt or innocence or the righteousness of their prosecutions. Innocent people like Cedric Willis pay the price of overzealous prosecutors who can't deal with losing. (Willis spent 12 years behind bars for a murder he didn't commit.)
Perhaps, people die because the legal system can't come to grips with a judicial system that is, at its core, more concerned with minutiae than actual issues of what's right, wrong or fair. Lawyers, judges and juries are fallible. The sooner we acknowledge that, the sooner we can begin to fix our broken justice system.
Speak out for Edwin Hart Turner's clemency (see page 6) by calling Gov. Phil Bryant's office at 601-359-3150.
Brother Hustle: "Welcome, fellow hustlers, to the first Compensatory Investment Request Support Group Meeting of 2012. I look forward to a great year for our group. Since the coming of the Great Recession, the rise of the Occupy Movement and Mitt Romney's comment regarding not being worried about the poor, more people have joined the Compensatory Investment Request Support Group. Last year, when homes were foreclosed on and food supplies ran out, many of the new poor (aka middle class) attended our meetings. Then came droves of laid-off workers who joined our group to express their frustrations. And today the unemployed, underemployed and part-time deejays have joined our support group.
"The purpose of the Compensatory Investment Request Support Group is to provide a forum for new and established street entrepreneurs. Sometimes the group participants discuss various problems and issues when conducting a compensatory investment request. We also hold continuing education seminars, like the very popular 'Dollar for a Product Sales Pitch Seminar' and 'How to Raise Money While Shopping for Groceries.' Aunt Tee Tee Hustle also provides computer-literacy training classes.
"We are proud and honored to receive product donations from members of the Ghetto Science Team Business Community Association. Now, aspiring street entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to apply one of the core principles of the Compensatory Investment Request System: Provide the potential investor a product in return for a dollar. Also, remember to add your monetary love offering to the Compensatory Investment Request Fund."
Knee-deep in coiffing clients for the holiday season, I was snatched from my robotic motions of cutting hair by a little good news. A client, Michelle Dawson, informed me that the Mississippi Youth State Legislature passed a bill last year recognizing same-sex unions from other states. I was already sitting, as is my habit while cutting hair (it staves off varicose veins), so I poked my head around hers and glared like a lemur, "Ma'am?!" I implored.
"Yes!" She said excitedly, and then went on to explain that her son, Mark Dawson, participated in the mock legislative session. She added that two Madison Central students drafted the bill, and the "governor," Jared Powell, signed it into law. Not the real governor, mind you, but another teenager from our state. Afterward, as she told her son how proud she was of him, he shrugged it off as "the right thing to do," adding, "It doesn't really count, since it was make-believe."
I understand his ambivalent attitude but, Lord knows, that's not the point. These kids come from all over our state, and the same kids will flood the voting booths in the coming years. They'll bring with them more tolerant and accepting views on social issues that are not mired down by religious ideology. Change will come—even in the state that seems slowest to change—and that makes me even more hopeful.
If you had asked me four years ago if I thought Justin and I would ever get married, I'd have told you no. Until two weeks ago, my biggest fear was that the "something old" I wear on my wedding day will be my Life Alert, and Justin's "something new" will be his hip replacement. And while I understand why some couples have "commitment" ceremonies (which hold no legal weight whatsoever), Justin and I agreed that this sort of union was no more important than a beer fanatic marrying his Kegerator. What's the point without the legal protections extended to "traditional" unions?
I consoled myself with the fact that politicians are being forced to openly debate the subject of gay marriage as a wedge issue, and that usually forces change. I never believed I'd see same-sex unions recognized in Mississippi in my lifetime. But now, I'm certain I will.
As I worked that afternoon, I allowed myself to tune out the drone of hair dryers and the siren calls from the tins of cheese straws, and I began imagining my own wedding celebration. On the occasions Justin and I have discussed the matter, he's leaned toward the Barbie dream wedding complete with Bridezilla meltdowns and chocolate-fountain tomfooleries. That's not for me.
It wouldn't be a "churchy" kind of affair, so we'd have no need for elaborate ceremony. There would be no Vera Wang (Hush!) Or a spectacle of a wedding cake. No screaming flower girls or cousins with hurt feelings.
I began to envision a sort of Golden Globe affair, where friends and family are dressed to the nines and twirl down a red carpet right past a velvet rope holding back throngs of religious right-wingers and Westboro Baptist Church protesters. Once inside the glorious event space, none other than Sir Elton John will greet guests' ears as he tickles the ivories, as shirtless Abercrombie and Fitch models serve flutes of bubbly.
Cocktail hour will be ending as emcee Neil Patrick Harris steps out. He immediately tears into a musical bit about the highlights of our romance. (Honestly, that queen will do anything for a paycheck.) After a few jokes and acknowledging key members in attendance—such as Liza Minnelli, Rosie and The Indigo Girls—he directs folks to find their places for dinner.
As guests seat themselves, an audiovisual presentation begins. Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, it tells the stories of our lives and all that we've accomplished together. There isn't a dry eye in the house as heavily Photoshopped images of our lives float across the IMAX screen. The presentation ends, and out strolls Ellen DeGeneres.
Earlier that day, Ellen explains, Justin and I had gone to the justice of the peace and entered into a civil union. "You all are unknowingly at their reception!" She exclaims, as the crowd leaps to its feet cheering.
Then she toasts us and our future together as the delicate sounds of crystal clinks sweep the room in waves. We name a charity in lieu of gifts, but secretly I expect no less than a half-dozen KitchenAid mixers in the coming days. The evening is filled with congratulatory hugs and dancing, as Madonna runs through her greatest hits.
Good stuff, right? It would be a reception and celebration the likes of which most have never seen. I didn't have the luxury of growing up with dreams of my wedding—like so many little girls do. But change is coming, and I'd hate to have to settle for Lady Gaga, so the saving starts now.
The best part is knowing that—once we've moved away from being just a wedge issue—Justin and I will truly be accepted as a part of this more perfect union we've been working toward, just like the rest of America.
And, well, won't that be grand?
Eddie Outlaw is co-owner of the William Wallace Salon in Fondren and spends most of his time trying not to embarrass his sweet Delta mother on http://www.eddieoutlaw.com.
A few years ago, I went on a journey to find my Mr. Right by going on 100 dates in a year. I blogged about each date, with plans to write a best seller and have Drew Barrymore play me in the blockbuster movie that I just knew would come to fruition. I had a fan base full of all types of people—gay men and women, straight men and women, married folks and the singles who all felt my angst when a really good prospect flew the coop. They also shared my excitement when I would date someone who seemed to be the cheese to my macaroni.
We even had my 100th date party with Fearless Four and my closest friends and fans to celebrate my benevolent quest for heterosexual companionship. I did have my share of winners. I met one of my best friends on this journey in finding love, and for that I'm extremely grateful (love you much, Padre!).
My dates were quite interesting. One guy really wanted to impress me by sending me a video of him masturbating (with his parents' Olan Mills church directory picture in the background). Another guy told me he had four DUIs in just under a year. One man was married (I soon found out and ran like hell and told his wife), and one paid for our meal with a slew of coupons, even before couponing was cool. One guy, when I was sick with fever, asked me if he could come over and have sex with me because he likes it when a girl has a fever, he says, and I quote, "because it's so hot DOWN THERE."
My favorite reply while I was on Match.com (it really should be renamed MISMatch.com) was "Well, I'm White, 6'-2" tall, and 240 pounds. Full gray beard, though. It was brown before I got shot. Ouch." One night at a local gay bar with my Deacons/Sweet Pickle Bus members, I got a note from a guy that said: "Hey, I'm in town for a few days. Here's my number. AND I AM NOT GAY!"
I've also learned to give potential ex-boyfriends/future restraining-order recipients the gay aptitude test to make sure I wouldn't ruin a perfectly good wedding dress by marrying someone with one foot in the closet.
However, in the year of excessive dating, I did manage to fall in heavy like with a guy from the Pine Belt, but tales of infidelity and his inability to let the past with his ex-girlfriend go ruined us.
Soon after that union busted up like an ax to firewood, I fell hard for a Lincoln County boy and was even looking at wedding rings, making wedding plans and trying to move to where he lived in Louisiana. When I refused to move due to not finding a job, his quick-to-anger mentality and jealousy reared its neck. We broke up, and I literally thought I was going to die of a broken heart.
Adding salt to the wound, he came to visit me on the night before Christmas Eve. He ran out on two of our bar tabs in the city, then left me crying in my street as he sped off, calling me every name in the book. It took me awhile to forgive him for his actions, but I did, and was able to PTFO (press the f*** on.)
While I don't regret trying to find Mr. Right, my quest wasn't the smartest thing to do. The onslaught of rejection and trying to fit each guy to suit my needs was draining, to say the least. I put each guy on a pedestal and immediately fell in heavy like when they did a slightly nice gesture toward me. I'm not a whore by any means, but my heart sure is. A year of rejection plus the years of dating losers and bad boys made me realize that I have never been in a healthy relationship.
Last year, I decided to quit looking for Mr. Right. Just plumb said to hell with it. It took the pressure off trying to find true love, and while I didn't find it, the fellas I did go out with were guys I'm still friends with to this day. I had no quota to meet, no self-appointed pressure to go out on every date a guy asked me out to, and no stream of countless rejections from guys. I'm learning now to be happy with what I do have and not concentrate on finding my soulmate. I count my blessings for all the wonderful opportunities I have in life.
The secret to knowing you have it all is when you quit looking at what you thought it was supposed to look like. And if my Prince Charming comes along, that's great. If he doesn't, I'm OK with that. Instead of finding love from just one person, I see love every day from my friends, family and at my job. I hope 2012 will make you see that love is everywhere. You just have to find it in the little things.
Watch out, now! Be wary of these potential mates.
1 A-holes are crazy, mean, selfish and sadly, everywhere. Make sure you know their habits and roll bounce when coming in contact with these folks. (Flip side: They're super great targets to take out your aggression on, because most a-holes aren't smart. Feel free to burn them at your convenience. Nothing is better than seeing an a-hole with hurt feelings.)
2 Artists are often broke and may not provide for your level of comfort. The flip side, though, is they will draw or paint pictures of you, introduce you to awesome art and are passionate when it comes to make-out sessions.
3 Musicians are flaky, never punctual, at times homeless and always on tour. However, they will write songs about your awesomeness and always have access to obscure music albums and fab concerts.
4 Nothing makes you say PTFO quicker than a person with parental unit problems. Because, more often than not, they take their issues out on you.
5 Bitches: While they need love, too, their cattiness is due to family issues (see No. 4). The flip side is that they will pitch a fit and lower your bill at a restaurant if things aren't "up to par," as well as handle conflicts so that you won't have to.
6 I can't hate on the "not-quite-divorced-yet-but-we're-over" folks. They tried, but sadly their marriage didn't work out. Just make sure they are really separated and not just running game on you to get some on the side while they are still in wedded "bliss."
7 Writers: See No. 2 and No. 3. The flip side is they will write awesome stories or poems about you that will make you gush like a teenager.
8 Hippies don't bathe or wear deodorant, and are often away to whatever Occupy camp taking place in the city. However, they always have the best Phish bootlegs.
9 With divorcees, be prepared to immediately have children that will hate you because the other parent has turned them against you, several hours of armchair counseling and an ex that's not even yours hating your guts. On the flip side, they know how to have a good time, anywhere and anytime.
10 Strippers/Former Strippers need love too, but their means of income is getting naked for the sake of the almighty dollar. They do like to dance and have nice bodies, though, as well as agility.
Natalie's Tips on Dating
• Take your time. There's no shot clock.
• Be yourself.
• Don't waste the pretty (the good stuff about you).
• Don't jump too fast too soon. It will only hurt you in the long run.
• It takes at least three weeks for the person you're dating to reveal his or her true self. And also your true self. This can be awesome or disastrous. But it happens, and you need for it to happen.
• Gay men and sugar daddies should always be in your life. Always.
• Take constructive criticism from your friends, sort out what they say and take what you believe in your heart to make any decisions.
• Always trust your instinct. Make it your best friend and learn to listen to it.
• If a man tells you he's crazy, jealous, controlling, etc., you had best believe him.
• If you pray or meditate with candles lit and lay out everything for your higher power to play it out (I use God, but you can use whatever/whoever you believe in), you'll get answers and so much peace. Do it now or as soon as you can.
• Don't take every disappointment to heart. Hell; it is them. If they can't see how awesome of a person you are. Let them PTFO, and you do the same. PTFO!
• Don't make anyone stay in your life who is negative. Get rid of them ASAP, for they are the poison that's bringing you down. This applies to everyone—friends, exes, etc. Get them out and continue to PTFO to something that's not a killjoy.
• Don't try to force the square into a circle. It ain't gonna fit. Yeah, that guy you're dating may be the most prominent bush hogger in south Mississippi, but if you feel things are not moving along in the way you feel comfortable with, re-evaluate.
Feb. 14 hasn't always been celebrated with flowers, over-decorated chocolate boxes and cards filled with fuzzy sentiments. It's a day steeped in gory pagan ritual, with an executed priest as its patron saint.
In ancient Rome, February was recognized as the beginning of spring. Spring was a time of cleansing and focusing on fertility. The ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia as a fertility ceremony from Feb. 13 through Feb. 15. Men sacrificed a goat for fertility and a dog for purification. The men cut the goat's hide into strips and dipped them in sacrificial blood. The women then lined up to be slapped with the bloody hides to increase their fertility. This festival culminated in a lottery in which every single man drew a woman's name from a large urn and paired off with that woman for the duration of the year. These unions often resulted in marriage. If a particular pairing didn't work out, the dissatisfied couple had the next Lupercalia feast to look forward to.
Multiple legends exist regarding Valentine's Day's namesake. According to one legend, a priest by the name of Valentine secretly married young couples in defiance of Emperor Claudius II's edict banning marriage for young men. Claudius II believed single men made better soldiers for the Roman Army. To ensure a steady crop of loyal soldiers, he simply made it illegal for young men to marry. Valentine, sympathetic to the plight of young lovers, would perform clandestine marriage ceremonies. When Claudius II learned of Valentine's activities, he ordered his execution. The Catholic Church recognizes two Valentines executed by Claudius II on Feb. 14 of different years, and has canonized both Valentines as martyrs. Pope Gelasius I combined St. Valentine's Day and Lupercalia in the 5th century A.D., in part to honor the martyrs and also to purge the pagan rituals associated with Lupercalia.
About the same time Romans celebrated St. Valentine's Day, the Normans had their own celebration, Galatin's Day. The translation for "galatin" is "lover of women." Because the words "galatin" and "Valentine" sound similar, the two may have ended up being used interchangeably, and traditions may have merged.
By the 17th century, ritual had given way to expressions of affection in the form of handwritten notes or small gifts. By the end of the 18th century, printed cards had replaced handwritten notes. In America, Esther A. Howland is credited with selling the first mass-produced commercial valentines in 1850.
Ah, Valentine's Day! Offices everywhere are inundated with a flood of floral arrangements, balloons and fuzzy, stuffed animals. Singles everywhere are looking on forlornly as their attached co-workers, friends and frenemies (gasp!) Are hauling in the Valentine loot by the truckloads. Yes, we're stifling tears of loneliness as they ...
Wait! Hold up! Let's rewind this article that's starting to read like I plagiarized it from one of those '80s-era romantic comedies that usually ends with a marriage proposal. This article ain't it! After all, Feb. 14 is just a day. It's not even a day we get to be off work. That means all your office buddies who got flower arrangements that required a dedicated moving van and three muscle-bound men to transport them are going to have to tackle the logistics of getting those behemoths home without soaking the passenger seats of their cars if they have to slam on the brakes. I've been there, trying to drive and keep a water-filled vase from toppling over. It was such a miserable experience that I imposed a "no flowers delivered to work" policy.
If you're single this Valentine's Day, you probably haven't bought into the hype. Still, Valentine's Day can be trying for the more sentimental singles out there. You're alone in a world (seemingly) full of (seemingly) happy couples. So, how will you get through the day without battling the nausea induced by sweetness overload? Here are some ideas to help you navigate the melodrama and cross the threshold to Feb. 15 unscathed.
• Aim that cupid's bow at the mirror. Be smitten with yourself first. Take an inventory of all the great qualities you possess, and give yourself some affirmation.
• Do something nice just for you. Book the facial. Sign up for that class you've wanted to take. Get those shoes you've been drooling over for three months, but never acted on because they're not practical. Who cares today? Not you!
• Give a valentine to someone who's important to you. Send them a message letting them know they're appreciated and thought of. Valentine's Day is a day to express your affection and regard. Romantic involvement doesn't have to be a requirement.
• Kill frenemies with kindness. No matter how content we are, we are all eventually going to run into those people. You know who they are. They're the people who only call you when (a) they want you to do something for them or (b) they want to remind you how awesome their lives are and what a loser you are in comparison. Remember, bragging and one-upmanship often mask deeper insecurities. Don't get sucked in when a frenemy calls to say: "My husband is soooo thoughtful! He bought me a Mercedes convertible for Valentine's Day and booked us a trip to Tahiti! So ... what did you get?" Tell her how happy you are for her and mean it. Envy is a destructive emotion that has no legitimate place in our lives. Envy adds nothing to our lives and robs us of the ability to appreciate our own shining moments.
• Make a date with friends. Go check out that restaurant you've been dying to try. Have dinner with some company you enjoy.
• If painting the town pink doesn't appeal to you, stay in and read that novel you haven't had the chance to dive into. Let a good box of truffles keep you company. You can resume that exercise program tomorrow. The gym and the yoga mat will stay right where you left them.
• Avoid the "Why are all my friends happily attached/married while I'm still single/divorced" trap. Making judgments about yourself in relation to your peers is a losing proposition for you. If you look around, you can always find someone who appears to have everything you want for yourself. Making comparisons is never a good idea, because we're all different. In spite of what Hollywood attempts to assert, there is no perfect life. There is no ideal experience or perfect relationship. And we shouldn't strive to fit any mold other than the one we fashion for ourselves. If that means you're single at this time in your life, accept it and embrace the potential singlehood holds for you in this present moment.
• Got kids? Embrace your inner child. Take your kids on an outing to the zoo, a museum, a skating rink. Don't just stand on the sidelines and watch. Participate with them and have fun.
With a little imagination, Valentine's Day can be truly painless for the unattached. It's just a day with a title and some commercial appeal. So make it your day. Chocolates get eaten (if they're good). Flowers wilt and dry out. The memories we make in our lives are what last.
The table is set, candles are lit, and music is playing softly in the background. It's Valentine's Day, time for a romantic dinner for two. But what's on the menu?
You might want to start with an appetizer of oysters in the half shell, serve some asparagus or carrots with the main course and finish with a chocolate dessert, all consumed with a liberal amount of alcohol.
Some consider all of these foods, and many more, to be aphrodisiacs because of their sexually suggestive shapes. Asparagus, carrots and bananas have a phallic shape, while figs and dates could resemble both male and female reproductive organs and are fertility symbols. Eggs and caviar are symbolic of the reproductive system.
The word "aphrodisiac" comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality and love. Throughout history, many foods and drinks have developed a reputation for making sex pleasurable or more attainable, although there is little scientific evidence to prove that the alleged results were due to anything besides the placebo effect, or the belief that these erotically shaped foods would be effective.
People have long considered oysters an aphrodisiac because they somewhat resemble the female sex organ. They are also full of zinc, which controls progesterone levels and can have a positive effect on the libido. Zinc deficiency can cause impotence in men.
Nuts are also rich in zinc, and the scent of some nuts can cause arousal in women. This is why almond extract is used in everything from cookies to perfumes. Gingko nuts are used in Chinese herbal medicine to increase libido.
People often think of chocolate as a romantic treat, but the jury's out on whether it actually has any aphrodisiac qualities. Doctors have discovered that chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that releases "feel good" endorphins in the body, but some studies have concluded that it doesn't affect the brain in any way. Chocolate can, however, contain caffeine, which is a stimulant.
One could also consider alcohol an aphrodisiac because it relaxes the body and loosens inhibitions.
Cookbook author Holly Clegg of Baton Rouge, La., included a chapter on aphrodisiacs in her saucy "Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age" cookbook (Holly Clegg Publications, 2010, $24.95), even though she's not convinced these foods have any real romantic effect.
"Well, it was rumored that Casanova ate 50 oysters a day to boost his libido," Clegg told the Jackson Free Press. "And, 'hot foods' generate a physiological response like when you get excited, so there may be a medical reason why these foods are aphrodisiacs ... and they sure can't hurt. Of course, I always believe in it when it involves spicing things up in the kitchen. I definitely had fun with this chapter, and my husband of 32 years and I sure ate well as I tested all these luscious recipes. Love is in the air in February, so what better way to add sizzle than in your kitchen?"
If you're preparing a romantic meal to get your sweetheart in the mood for love, Clegg advises using recipes you are comfortable with, and maybe one with a little extra flair. "Don't stress about every recipe being special," she said.
But what's the harm in serving a few aphrodisiacs for a romantic meal? It might only be food for thought, but imagine the pillow talk those oysters will inspire.
Caramel Pecan Candies
From Holly Clegg's "Trim & Terrific: Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age," used by permission.
1 (14-ounce) package caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons skim milk
2 cups pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
In a microwave-safe dish, combine caramels and milk and microwave one minute. Stir and microwave another minute, or until melted. Stir in pecans and drop tablespoonfuls onto wax paper-covered baking sheets. Let stand until firm.
Microwave chocolate in microwave-safe bowl one minute or until melted, stirring once. Dip top of caramel candies into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip. Place on wax paper and allow the candies to get firm.
Makes 30 candies.
Oysters and Angel Hair
From Holly Clegg's "Trim & Terrific: Too Hot in the Kitchen: Secrets to Sizzle at Any Age," used by permission.
12 ounces angel hair pasta
1 (16-ounce) container small oysters
1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
A pinch of sugar
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and reconstituted
3/4 cup fat-free chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Drain oysters and toss bread crumbs and oysters together in a resealable plastic bag or bowl.
In a large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook oysters over medium heat until browned. Remove to plate.
In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms, green onions, garlic and parsley, scraping bottom of pan to get bits, for about three minutes. Add tomatoes and sugar, cooking until tender. Add sun-dried tomatoes and broth and bring to boil for another five minutes. Toss in pasta with the mixture. Season to taste. Top the pasta with the oysters and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
To love is to care deeply enough about an idea to see it come into being, whether that idea is a romance with another person, writing a novel or starting a business. Love sparks your desire to learn all you can about that someone or something. It is what keeps us engaged during difficult times. Love can lead to disappointments and joys. It requires two oppositional forces in a person: the vulnerability of openness and the protection of strength.
Vulnerability and strength are two sides of one coin, and each requires courage. From vulnerability comes strength if approached with an honest, open conscience, a clear heart, and the resolve to persevere through disappointments and successes. An authentic, lasting relationship that has give and take is built from honesty, trust and support. To be honest requires a certain amount of showing your soft underbelly, to test if you and your ideas will be supported. Will you click with this person? Is there viability in this notion, this business or personal relationship?
Human instinct tells us to shelter, to protect the tender parts of ourselves from harm. Protecting ourselves from harmful intentions is wise. This instinct can also be a roadblock to fully embracing the possibilities within the world. Readiness to share (a part of oneself, a piece of writing or a new skill) is vital, and hesitation to do so is natural. But an ungrounded or unproductive fear that perpetually keeps you in a state of "as soon as," "if only" or "yes, but" leaves little room for love. Ask yourself: Is this fear real, or is it an idea worth exploring and testing? Can you build enough trust in yourself, in the other person or in the situation to imagine an idea coming into being?
Trust, of course, comes over time when you consistently (in most cases, incrementally) expose your soft side without incurring harm. Like tempering steel or hardening off plants to toughen them up, you're made of strong stuff when tested, provided that the testing comes with the intention of cultivating something more, something sincere and honest. When this happens, it is more likely that no attribute, opportunity or skill is wasted, overlooked or underutilized. All parties involved grow as a result. These bona fide relationships are strong foundations upon which we can build sustaining lives. They provide a foundation for us to be brave enough to make the most of rich qualities with which we have been endowed. From this, community is fostered, and we create possibilities to support the greater good for all parties.
Love drives you to mastery. You work to learn everything about that person or to know all the nuances of a particular job. You put in the hours, no matter how many are needed to fully know, because you are prompted to remain engaged long enough to experiment, take risks and learn.
Love disappoints when nothing seems to go right between you and your sweetheart or when a project seems to drag on forever. Love can create a chasm between vision and reality. Inevitably, what you end up with is a "failure" compared to your idealized original vision. But that is not a bad thing, because we cannot have what is unattainable in reality.
However, if you remain loyal to a good idea or nurturing relationship, you create something that is sustaining and nearly has a life force of its own. Love also pulls you through hard times, especially when the lure of a shiny new idea beckons.
Love provides for reconciliation. Staying focused on the intrinsic rewards of your relationship or your work gives you the ability to stay motivated for the means of your efforts rather than by the ends. When you love, you continually find ways to re-engage despite the distance between your impossible heady visions that come with infatuation and the reality of loving.
Love is brave. Take, for example, this anecdote about a client of mine. She received a thank-you gift, a generous gift certificate to a spa, for her years of service on a board. She appreciated the thoughtful gift, but she simply does not enjoy spas. Instead of being disappointed and resentful, she saw it as an opportunity. "People need to know me better, and I need to allow that (to happen). I am going to be more authentic to let people know me and really get to know others. Yes, I am risking exposure to criticism, but the reward more than outweighs the risk of criticism. The joy you miss by not doing this is great."
Now she trusts herself enough to be open and love more, wisely.
"A Knight's Tale" (Columbia Pictures, 2001)
Set in medieval England, "A Knight's Tale" follows William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), a peasant, as he hides his identity to become one of England's most successful jousters, a sport only knights can play. William and Lady Jocelyn become enamored with each other on the tournament scenes. Can their love survive once William's true self is known?
"Garden State" (Camelot Pictures, 2004)
Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) returns to New Jersey from California for his mother's funeral after years of detachment from his family. Andrew meets Sam (Natalie Portman), a pathological liar, at a doctor's office. The two become inseparable for the rest of Andrew's time in New Jersey. The kicker of this film is the beautiful ending.
"The Notebook" (New Line Cinema, 2004)
"The Notebook" is the quintessential love story. Most of the film is a flashback to the '40s, recounting the lust, love and hardships of Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie's (Rachel McAdams) relationship in South Carolina. The flashback ends as we see older Allie (Gena Rowlands) with faithful Noah (James Garner) by her side. Make sure you have tissues with you for the end of this film. You'll need them.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" (Universal Pictures, 2010)
Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is an awkward 20-something who plays bass in the band Sex Bob-omb and lives with his brother in Toronto. More than a year after a horrible breakup, Scott sees the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), at a party. To be with Ramona, Scott learns he must defeat her seven evil exes, and begins his hero journey to have his true love.
"Friends with Benefits" (Screen Gems, 2011).
"Friends with Benefits" is a typical romantic comedy with a predictable plotline, but the specifics draw you in, and the predictability is comforting. Jamie Rellis (Mila Kunis) brings Dylan Harper (Justin Timberlake) to New York as GQ magazine's new arts editor. They become friends with benefits, and eventually a romance develops, although they do not recognize it. When things go awry when Jamie goes to visit Dylan's family in California, Dylan realizes his true feelings and plots to win Jamie back.
Thanks, John Cusack. Rob Lowe. LL Cool J. Any guy who can play a guitar. Even you, Nicolas Cage. Thanks for raising the bar on the normal guys. The guys who had it good, no boom boxes required. Following your lead, springing for a brown-bag special at Sonic would never be confused with romance again. Growing up, I learned that romantic acts had to involve soundtracks and keytars that had to be dramatic and perfect. Thankfully, I was wrong.
Even now, though, trying to be romantic can make me ... nervous. It's balancing a gift, a box of chocolates and a dozen roses while sautéing shrimp for the special, romantic shrimp pasta dish that neither looked nor tasted like the picture in the cookbook. Or, at least I thought.
Despite being such a positive word to throw around, the actual transitive act of being "romantic" is hard to pin down. I think all beginning courters attempt to schmooze, wine, dine and beg, but are those acts considered "romantic," begging notwithstanding? I happen to think that true romantic acts aren't that easy.
We've been bombarded with ads for flowers, candy and gifts, leading up to the Christmas of Romance: Valentine's Day. We're told that the time is now to show our loved ones that we care by providing them with various products and romantic sundries; we might also receive some quite thoughtful products and sundries ourselves. We'll do it, and it'll be fine. While I've fulfilled my Valentine's Day duties regularly, I've found that true acts of romance are something quite different every time but always have an undertone of comfort and familiarity. There might be dinner, music and a rose or two, but there might just be a pot of soup that you both love. It's quite flexible that way.
I am married to a beautiful, smart, funny and caring woman, so I must have done something right. Right? So-called "romantic" acts are something we men plan and daydream about, but how do we respond when given the opportunity? Romance to me means comfort, because at its core a romantic act must be one thing: thoughtful. It's proof of a voluntary journey you're on. It's understanding the amount of mayonnaise someone likes on their sandwich, or that someone loathes mayonnaise with the strength of 1,000 aiolis. It's evidence that you listen. It's an offering to show that you appreciate someone. Sometimes, those acts are exciting and Hollywood-esque. Sometimes, they're not.
In my world, romance has meant using a blow dryer to thaw a frozen pipe under our house, but it has also meant, "Take your shoes off. Stay awhile."
When I was first contacted regarding writing about romance, my very first thought was: "What the hell do I know about romance? I'm married." If I can bother with wiping the eye boogers and the drool off my mouth before I roll over and demand coffee in the morning, I'm a goddess. If I'm actually wearing clean pajamas? Hell, that's sassy. I think in this respect, one's idea of "romance" varies greatly throughout life.
When I met my husband, I was already 30 and more than a tiny bit jaded toward the intentions of grown men in the dating scene. I think because of this, wooing me was a wee bit harder than wooing most normal women.
It's also complicated by the fact that I'm a fairly pragmatic person. If you show up underneath my window spouting poetry, I will ask about the state of the flowerbeds as you are leaving. I will also vomit a little in my mouth. I prefer funny and sweet, and well, that's how he won me.
On our first date, I shared with my now-husband that I was planning to move to Jackson. I actually lived in a suburb at the time and was desperately planning my escape into the city. Two days after I informed him of my plan, he showed up with a wrapped present in honor of my impending move. It was a gun. And as he gave it to me, he said, "I figured if you're going to be moving to Jackson ..." and we both shared the most delicious, romantic laugh.
It really didn't matter that the gun was wooden and shot rubber bands. That gun sits on my desk five years later and reminds me of a man who showed up at my house before our second official date to give me a gun because he cared so much about me. That's romance, folks. At least, that's my particular flavor. And that's all you've really got to find—your flavor.
Last month, for our three-year wedding anniversary, I got a car battery. Do any of you know what year anniversary covers batteries? Because I was told that you are supposed to get leather your third year. And I'm sure I could come up with several things that need to be covered with leather in our house. But on that day, what I really needed was a car battery. I also needed a man to put that car battery in the car (and I got him, too!). Like I said, one's idea of romance does change over time.
I think what I'm trying to say is that I can't tell you what romance is. I have no idea what romance looks like for you. You'll know when you've found your flavor, whatever that flavor may be. It'll make you laugh and make your face warm. It'll make you put wooden guns on your desk and shoot rubber bands across the room. It'll make you cuss soundly, and sleep even more so. But at the end of the day, when you are searching for just what you need to make everything OK, sometimes it may be a man holding roses. But sometimes, it's just a man holding a car battery.
If you haven't seen the movie, you've probably heard of it. Tyler Perry's comedy, "Jumping the Broom," tells of two families of different social and economic backgrounds united for a wedding. Among other disagreements, one of the key arguments is whether the couple will jump the broom, a practice where the bride and groom literally jump over a usually decorated broom while holding hands, after the ceremony. The groom's family says it's a tradition, passed down for generations, while the bride's wealthier family says the practice is outdated and only serves as a reminder of slavery.
The family of the film's bride had it about right. While jumping the broom is a well-known practice in the African American community, it does have a stigma from slavery days.
There is some debate about the origin of the practice of couples jumping the broom. In Africa, Europe and the United States, couples practice the custom that dates back as far as the 1700s to the Asante people of Ghana. In the West African Asante custom, the broom held spiritual meaning, signifying sweeping away past wrongs or removing evil spirits. It also served to show the bride's willingness to clean the courtyard of the new home she joined. In Southwest England, Wales and in border areas between Scotland and England, some couples verbally agreed to marry without exchanging legal contracts. Others jumped the broom at their threshold to make their union "official" and create new households.
In the African American community, the custom has mixed reviews. During the days of slavery, marriage between slaves was not legally recognized because marriage was a civil contract, and the country didn't recognize slaves as citizens. Jumping the broom, always done before witnesses, served as an open declaration of settling down.
After the Civil War, former slaves were legally recognized as citizens and were able to be married, so the practice was largely abandoned. A small number of African Americans continue to practice the custom, but the majority rejects it because it is a reminder of slavery.
Ultimately, like any other wedding tradition, jumping the broom should not become a source for conflict during the wedding-planning stage. Every couple is different. If you find the practice is outdated, do not feel forced or obligated to use it.
Almost immediately after meeting Cari Taylor and Nickolas Fowler, I could feel the love between the two of them. The two complement each other naturally. Their laughter and witty banter would eventually have anyone who spoke with them for more than a moment finding him or herself joining right in.
The pair first met in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Taylor, a Long Beach native, was running through the pouring rain to her dorm from a hurricane party on the Millsaps College campus when she saw a friend from the Coast.
"It was pouring out, but I stopped to see how his family was doing. He introduced me to Nick, but we really didn't have a conversation." Taylor said. Nickolas Fowler, a Jackson native, also attended Millsaps.
The two didn't speak again until the next semester when they found themselves in the same genetics class. Because they were both in relationships, they kept their conversations short and polite, but friendly. After college graduation, they remained in contact. After both became single, they had a group date with several friends.
"(It) was us, a couple, and another guy and girl. The couple left early, and since the other guy and girl knew they wouldn't be starting a relationship, they focused on trying to hook us up," Taylor said.
A few weeks later, Taylor and Fowler got together with a group of his friends for more than eight hours of March Madness basketball, which became their first "real" date. Both love sports, particularly the New Orleans Saints.
"That's when I knew she was special," Fowler said. "She fit in so well with my friends; plus, I couldn't see myself with anyone who didn't love sports." It was after that date that the two became inseparable.
Fowler decided to take a creative approach to proposing, and it happened when Taylor least expected it. "I was scheduled to attend a former boss' going-away party that afternoon, and Nick couldn't go because he had to get a haircut and help his aunt move furniture," Taylor said. Since she had a long day and didn't have Nick by her side, Taylor decided to stay a little longer with a friend at the restaurant where the party was held. She texted Fowler to let him know.
Panicked that his plans were going south, Fowler immediately texted back to tell her that he was really in the mood for sushi and asked if she would rather eat with him at home. When Taylor seemed reluctant, he name-dropped Pan-Asia, one of her favorite restaurants, and she agreed.
During dinner, Taylor was in a state over her bad day. She was oblivious to what was going on around her. In the middle of her cry-fest, Fowler pointed out that there were fortune cookies inside the takeout bag.
"I thought that was strange, considering Pan-Asia doesn't serve them," Taylor said. However, she loves fortune cookies, and, looking for any ray of sunshine she could find, she grabbed a cookie. She chose a fortune that read, "Will you marry me?" Taylor threw it down, exclaiming "Well, that's a sucky fortune!" To her, the universe was being extra mean on an already bad day by taunting her with a marriage proposal. When she finally looked up, she found Fowler beside her on one knee, declaring his love for her and urging her to open the second fortune cookie—his backup—that also read, "Will you marry me?"
Taylor just repeated "Are you kidding?" And "Are you for real?" Several times.
Finally, Fowler presented his future bride with a beautiful ring. As champagne flowed, they made phone calls and, of course, changed their Facebook statuses.
So what makes this couple special? What makes them believe their marriage will last? "We're friends first," Taylor said. "We have fun together, and we complement each other nicely." For example, she loves to cook but hates washing dishes, and Nick is, by his own admission, obsessive about cleanliness.
She currently works for the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits as the assistant director of community relations, handling things such as fundraising and communications. He is employed with the Veterans Business Administration as a service representative where he helps determine what supporter veterans will get.
The pair will wed April 28, 2012, at the Holy Trinity St. John Greek Orthodox Church (5725 Pear Orchard Road, 601-355-6325) in a traditional Greek Orthodox marriage ceremony. The highlights of the ceremony are the Service of Betrothal, which is the blessing and exchanging of rings, and the Service of Crowning that includes prayers and the crowning—a ritual where the priest crowns the couple while offering a blessing. It also include scripture readings, offering of the common cup and the dance of Isaiah, where the priest leads the bride and groom around the altar three times to symbolize their first steps together as man and wife following in the path of the gospel.
At the conclusion of the prayers, the priest joins the hands of the bride and groom. The couple holds hands until the end of the service to symbolize the union and the oneness of the couple. The '50s and '60s-inspired reception takes place at The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601-366-5552) in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to get crafty for your loved ones. Sure, store-bought Valentines can be cute, but there's nothing quite like getting something personalized and handmade.
My freshman year of college, my roommate and I had a Valentine-making party, and I've made my own ever since. This Valentine D.I.Y. is a throwback to grade school pop-up cards and can be made in minutes with whatever supplies you have in your home.
Things you'll need:
Two sheets of paper the size you want your card to be (doesn't have to be construction paper—you could also use scrapbook paper, old newspapers or pages from a magazine), a pen, scissors and glue.
Optional:
Embellishments of your choice. I used markers, glue and glitter, but use whatever (ribbon, beads, crayons, lace, etc.) you have.
Instructions:
1. Choose the piece of paper you want for the inside of your card. This will be the piece that pops out.
2. Fold it in half length-wise and draw half a heart along the side with the crease.
3. Cut the heart, but DO NOT cut out the heart completely. Leave the rounded part of the heart attached so it can pop
out.
4. Unfold the piece of paper and push the heart out, making it pop.
5. Glue the inside of the card to the other sheet of paper (the outside of the card) and let dry.
6. Decorate! I found the heart needs a little attention to make it stand out. I outlined mine with a contrasting colored glitter, but you could color it a different color or use a different embellishment. If you want to decorate the outside of the card, do that as well. Get creative! This is where you make each card its own.
Crafting for Valentine's Day is a great way to think outside the box. Change the shape of the pop-out design or card, use different techniques (decoupage, watercolors, etc.) make a Valentine on a canvas, reuse items around your house (you could use the cardboard from a cereal box as your base for your cards, for example) or completely change mediums. (I've made Valentines on cups before). Get creative! Find your own inspiration and make something special for the ones you love.
Valentine's Day often gets a bad rap. Some think it's too sappy, and others think it should be called "Singles Appreciation Day." Regardless of whether you're in a relationship, I believe Valentine's Day is a day to acknowledge love—love for yourself, love for your family and friends, love for your significant other and love for life! Happy Valentine's Day, y'all.
Where2Shop: 4450, 4450 Interstate 55 N., 601-366-3687; Broad Street Bakery and Café, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-362-2900; CoatTails, 111 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-853-1313; Fondren Cellars, 633 Duling Ave., 769-216-2323; Fresh Ink, 4500 Interstate 55 N., 601-982-0235;
The Green Room, 3026 N. State St., 601-981-9320; Little Things Studio, Yazoo City ; Material Girls, 182 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-4533; Sneaky Beans, 2914 N. State St., 601-4887-6349; SpaBeca, 357 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 101, Ridgeland, 601-977-8401
Valentine's Cookies, Broad Street Bakery and Café, $2.65 each
Ah, romance! It’s an emotion that has inspired symphonies, poetry and monstrous, fluffy pink teddy bears. As Valentine’s Day nears, here’s some advice for people playing the dating game, longtime couples looking to renew their romance and singles drowning in aisles of red flowers and pink bows. Be our valentine, Jackson?
Growing up with eager readers, Sumrall native David McRaney flocked to the art of storytelling. McRaney, 34, works by day as director of new media at WDAM, but in his spare time is an avid blogger and published author.
Since its October release, "You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You're Deluding Yourself" (Gotham, 2011, $22.50) has caught attention from national media and critics.
McRaney presents scientific facts in an entertaining package. He poses the assumptions we all make, such as why we have brand loyalty or why we put off decisions. He takes these common notions we don't talk about and debunks them with studies, research and academic balloon-popping.
It's not a self-help book, but his essays are reassuring and not quite as cynical as the book's title might sound.
When did you become a writer?
I grew up with a father who had a giant collection of science-fiction and fantasy books. My mom was a big romance-novel reader. We had a computer with a word processor, and I started writing in my teens. When I was 14, I wrote a really bad science-fiction novel. In college, I began to develop those skills. I thought I was going to be a psychologist, but I ended up writing instead. That gratification of seeing your name on a byline and people hating you based on your opinions and your writing powers got me over into journalism.
Does the book feature any new material your blog didn't?
It's about half and half. Half is material from the blog that has been updated, revised and added to. The other half is completely new material. The book came out of the blog. I really didn't plan on (the blog posts) being these long, literary 20-page essays, but the more I wrote and the more feedback I got, the longer they got. I started taking it more seriously. Then, I tried to attribute sources and do real research. The reason it became a book was because it got so popular at a certain point that I had agents and publishing houses asking me if I was interested in publishing a book.
Did similar blog-to-book success in the publishing world inspire you?
I'm lucky. I ended up with Gotham, a division of Penguin. I may be on the tail end of this period in book publishing where there's a lot of blog-to-books going on. My agent helped get Christian Lander's book out there, so I'm in that brat pack of blog-into-book people. I was more inspired by the narrow-topic blog like "Stuff White People Like" and "Texts from Last Night." I would have never thought (my blog) could make it as a book, but it just so happens that that's the club I'm in now.
Of all the theories in your book, which are the most important?
I mainly talk about biases, heuristics and fallacies, but the biases are the most important. The confirmation bias is the most useful of all. When you go out searching for new knowledge, you tend to focus on things that confirm your beliefs. It determines what news channels you watch, what books you buy and what blogs you visit. Even though I don't have a lot of descriptive advice in the book or blog, the things that will help change your day-to-day behavior are definitely the biases.
What were your misconceptions about publishing a book?
I did all of this from Hattiesburg, the entire thing. I've never met my agent, the publishers or the editors. I have a marketing team of four or five people that I've never met. What's weird is that this is a total virtual experience. Writing the book, getting popular, doing the promotion and editing were all done from Hattiesburg. I had an idea that I would be flying to New York and that I'd be doing a book tour around the country, but the whole process is virtual now. It's awesome, because people can be from Hattiesburg and get a book in every store in the country.
The book got rave reviews from Psychology Today.
It's very unexpected. I try to make the writing good first. Science writing is very dry. It can be difficult to connect to. My goal is to make it to where you, as an individual, can have a personal connection to the material and that it's interesting and fun. What makes the blog so successful is that people love to share the posts. The blog gets between 30,000 and 150,000 hits per day. It's been really interesting to become a member of the "blogerati" where I can send an email and get an (immediate) response. If you write about psychology and things that everyone experiences, then everyone is interested in reading it.
What obstacles have you faced?
The biggest obstacle is striking while the iron is hot—deciding what should go from the blog to the book and finding time to write while having a full-time job. Everything I write is better than the last. It took a year for the book to come out after I finished writing it. I've learned a whole lot about writing, reading and the interview process. It has really honed my abilities as a writer and as a reader. The labor of writing the book was nothing in comparison to the marketing and promotion of it, which is constantly hitting Facebook and Twitter and making YouTube videos. The weird thing about modern publishing is finding someone who can build their own audience and who can market themselves. Those are the people who get book deals, people who understand the ecosystem of sharing, getting yourself out there and rising above the noise.
What are your future projects?
There's a podcast starting this year for "You Are Not So Smart." We're pushing forward with putting out more content on the blog. I'm in talks with some producers in turning it into a television show, and I've already submitted a book proposal to Penguin for a second book.
The Oxford Film Festival follows closely on the heels of the Sundance Film Festival, which, in my book, officially launched the 2012 independent film season. Two weeks ago, Sundance founder Robert Redford reassured filmmakers that the Sundance family has still "got their backs," but he cautioned that it's a hard road to sell a film.
"Deal with the reality," Redford said. "Enjoy (the festival) while it's here, but enjoy it like Cinderella at the ball."
Like Sundance, the Oxford Film Festival, which starts Thursday and ends Sunday, provides a fairy-tale experience for filmmakers. (I cherish my memories of screening "Belles & Whistles" at the first Oxford Film Festival, back in 2003). The nostalgic charm of the Oxford square, the literary appeal of William Faulkner and John Grisham—which seems to pervade the tree-lined streets and surround Square Books—and the grandeur of Ole Miss converge to provide a movie-perfect setting for a festival on the cinematic arts.
With only a few days before filmmakers arrive in Oxford, Executive Director Molly Fergusson rushed to complete last-minute festival preparations. Molly is a dynamic combination of lawyer, film producer, community promoter and mega organizer. She worked to organize the first Oxford Film Festival, joined the festival as a co-director in 2004 and became executive director in 2010.
Before moving to Oxford, Molly lived in Wilmington, N.C., where she worked with an independent film producer on documentary and commercial projects. She is an attorney who teaches legal writing and contract drafting at the University of Mississippi Law School. Molly and I serve together on the Mississippi Bar's Intellectual Property Section, and I can personally attest that Molly is a moving force in the state.
In a free moment, Molly and I caught up on the 2012 festival:
What is your goal for this year's film festival?
The hope for this year's festival is that we can celebrate successful new partnerships with both a music festival and the Mid-South Intellectual Property Institute. We are excited to have new and great films, and we are looking forward to hosting filmmakers, journalists, musicians, attorneys and film fans from all over the country.
How has the festival changed from past years?
The festival is different every year because of the films we screen and the filmmakers and guests that attend. Because we have bigger audiences each year, we have added more volunteers to the year-round task of putting on the festival. This is the second year that the festival has produced its own community film, and we look forward to making more films in the future.
What movies are you really excited about? (This was my trick question).
I am a documentary fan, so I generally lean toward those. This year, like most years, we have a strong documentary category. I am looking forward to the screening of "Happy," "This is What Love in Action Looks Like," "Patriot Guard Riders" and "Holy Rollers." I am also excited about our secret screenings this year, one of which, "Holiday Road," received a lot of buzz at Slamdance. Our narratives, both short and feature, animation, Mississippi films—really all of it!
So what are the basic stats on the festival?
We are screening approximately 75 films in nine different categories. We have two world premieres—"Perfection" and "The 59 Team"—several regional premieres and many Mississippi premieres.
What are the top 10 things to do at the festival? After all, I want to squeeze them all in.
1. See movies. 2. Meet filmmakers. 3. Attend and learn from the panels. 4. Enjoy the music. 5. Eat lots of delicious food from Oxford's great restaurants. 6. Repeat 1-5.
With Molly's top 10 things to do in hand, I plan on being Cinderella at the ball. May the indie films roll you into the Oxford Film Festival for a great time. Festival line-up and schedule are online at http://www.oxfordfilmfest.com.
Attorney General Jim Hood this morning argued successfully in a federal appeals court in New Orleans to lift a stay of execution for Edwin Hart Turner. At this point, without further intervention by either the U.S. Supreme Court or Gov. Phil Bryant, Mississippi will move forward to execute Turner this evening at 6 p.m.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves issued the temporary stay to allow for an independent psychiatric review of Turner, something the Mississippi Department of Corrections had previously and successfully blocked. According to court documents, Turner, 38, has been mentally ill since adolescence. He attempted suicide twice, as did his mother. His severe facial deformity is the result of his first attempt in 1991, when the rifle he used slipped, and the bullet tore through his face instead of his brain.
"The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is not authorized to create special rules for death penalty cases to make it easier for states to execute prisoners," said Richard Bourke, Director of the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center (which represents Turner), in a release. "Our constitution requires us to have more procedural protections for prisoners facing death, not less.
"Despite the ruling of the district judge and a dissent from their own colleague on the court of appeals, two judges have decided that prison officials are allowed to interfere in Mr. Turner's clemency petition to ensure that it is less effective or compelling. That is not justice.
"The people fixing to execute Mr. Turner should not be allowed to hamper his lawyer's efforts to apply for clemency.
"We are asking Mississippi Governor, Phil Bryant, to enter an immediate reprieve of 30 days to allow time to fix Mississippi's broken and unfair clemency procedures. If the Governor is interested in a just and accurate death penalty system he should order a short delay and allow Mr. Turner the opportunity to present all of the relevant evidence in his clemency petition without the interference of prison officials."
Catholic Charities Inc. Office of Parish Social Ministry is holding a prayer vigil tonight at 5:30 p.m. in Smith Park, located at Amite and Congress streets, across from the governor's mansion. "This vigil grieves the lost lives of Mr. Turner's victims as well as the life taken by the State tonight," the organization's press release states.
Readers can contact the governor's office in support of Edwin Hart Turner's request for a reprieve and his application for clemency (changing his sentence to life without parole instead of death). Call 601-359-3150 or email camp.murphy@governor.ms.gov.
When something called the Child Rape Protection Act passes by a margin of 106 votes to 9, you'd think that discussion would be minimal. That wasn't the case last week when House lawmakers spent more than four hours locking horns over the proposal, sponsored by Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, in its first floor debate of the session.
The act calls for mandatory reporting of sex crimes against children by health-care workers, clergy members, law-enforcement officers, film and photographic processors, teachers and child-care providers.
It also creates a civil penalty for helping a minor get an abortion. In cases where girls under age 14 have abortions, doctors will be required to keep a DNA sample from the fetus to determine who the father is.
Democrats called the bill ambiguous. House Minority Leader Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto, said the bill as it's written could have unintended consequences. For example, a pharmacist who doesn't call the police after observing a minor buying condoms or a parent who fails to report a consensual sexual relationship their teenager is having with another teen each could be charged with a crime, he said.
"The premise (of the act) is to protect children--no one is against that. But the legislation is poorly written," Moak told the Jackson Free Press this week.
Speaking at the Capital Club Monday, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said "appropriate changes" would be made to the bill when it goes to the Senate. He pointed out that he listed protecting children and tightening regulations on abortions as two of his legislative priorities, which he outlined over the course of the week. In addition to the child protection law, Reeves proposed consolidating school districts in Sunflower County to save on the cost of administrators, issuing less bond debt and letting state agencies share services with each other.
Expanding state agencies' powers came up again Tuesday when the House Judiciary A Committee took up a bill that empowers state agencies, boards and commissions to hire their own attorneys if an agency director believes a conflict of interest exists with the attorney general, who typically represents the state in legal matters. Dubbed the Sunshine Act, the bill also requires legal services contracts over $100,000 to be forwarded to the Personal Service Contract Review Board for publication online.
"This clarifies the process and sheds some light on it," Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, said. A lot of Democrats, however, believe the bill's sole purpose is to punish Attorney General Jim Hood for thumbing his nose at powerful Republicans and large corporations, and to roll back his powers.
Since Hood took office in 2004, he has sued cigarette maker J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., petroleum giant BP over its Gulf oil-spill-claims process and large insurers in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. More recently, Hood challenged the legality of pardons and commutations former Gov. Haley Barbour made before leaving office. The Supreme Court will review the case at a hearing Thursday, Feb. 9.
He declined to comment about the lawsuit, saying he did not want justices to think he was trying the case in the media.
Hood called the provision to let agencies hire their own lawyers "ludicrous." Although he acknowledged that the bill wouldn't preclude him from pursuing matters he thinks are in the state's interest, he's concerned the state about situations arising from the state having attorneys on opposite sides of a case.
"You can't have the state fighting itself," Hood said. "The state should speak with one voice."
House Bills of Note
HB 30--Provide for a spring season for squirrel hunting.
HB 36--Require applicants for gubernatorial pardon to give notice to district attorney to hold a public hearing.
HB 57--Prohibit elected official from changing political party affiliation during term of office.
HB 77--Require school districts to adopt policy and educate students on dating violence.
HB 80--Require health-insurance coverage for hearing aids for dependent children.
HB 84--Permit making of homemade beer for domestic or household use only.
HB 101--Allow parents with bona fide belief that immunizations will harm children to be exempt from immunization requirements.
HB 111--Indictment of elected officials results in suspension without pay, and conviction results in removal.
HB 120--Create offense for attempted murder.
HB 126--Create the offense of failure to report the death or disappearance of a child.
HB 137--Criminalize sextortion (using a cell phone to exploit children under age 18).
HB 138--Require testing of Medicaid applicants and recipients for illegal drugs.
HB 152--Authorize year-round hunting of wild hogs with proper permit or license.
HB 181--Clarify that wagering on certain athletic events is unlawful.
Follow legislation online and watch live feeds from the Capitol at billstatus.ls.state.ms.us.
Within the past few weeks, legislators have rolled out bills to put extra requirements and tests on public-assistance benefits, from wide-ranging drug and nicotine tests to specifications regarding license plates.
At least three state lawmakers have introduced bills to require people who receive some forms of government assistance to submit to random drug testing.
Sen. John Polk, R-Hattiesburg, authored one of the bills, and co-authored another with Sen. Nancy Collins, R-Tupelo. Polk said constituents in his district wanted to see if public-assistance recipients were breaking the law by using illegal drugs. If most jobs require drug testing, he said, it's only fair that people who benefit from his tax dollars get tested, too.
Polk does not know how much it would cost to drug test everyone receiving public assistance, though he said the state could use prescreening tests that only cost about $2 per test. If people need further testing after prescreening, they would get a drug test that costs $15 to $30, he said.
In July, following similar proposals, the Mississippi Economic Policy Center estimated that drug testing Mississippians receiving unemployment insurance, at $25 per test, would cost more than $4 million.
Other states have found that similar drug-testing requirements do not pay off in the long run. In Michigan in 2003, a federal court struck down a mandatory drug-testing requirement for welfare recipients, saying it violated the Constitution's protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
In Florida, a judge blocked a similar law last year. The Miami Herald reported that of the 7,000 people who applied for welfare while the law was in effect, 32 tested positive for drugs, mostly marijuana.
Another 1,600 people refused to take the test, forfeiting their benefits, though they are not required to say why they refused the test. The report concluded that it is unclear whether the state saved money through the testing program.
"Cost is not the issue," Polk said. "I actually feel like if we run it for two or three years and we find that drug use is very, very minimal, we'll have proved that everything is fine."
Polk said the program would help people with drug problems, potentially using "tough love" by taking people off public assistance, and would probably pay for itself.
Rep. Jessica Upshaw, R-Diamondhead, introduced a bill Tuesday with similar drug-testing requirements for Medicaid recipients and applicants. Unlike the other bills, Upshaw's measure would target only Medicaid, and would apply to applicants and recipients as young as 13 years old.
Anyone who tests positive for drugs would be ineligible to receive benefits for at least 90 days. Upshaw was not available for comment at press time.
Roy Mitchell, executive director of the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, said he has been monitoring some legislators' efforts to require drug testing.
"It's just a continuation (of) a theme in the Legislature and the Mississippi government that somehow there are certain members of our society that are not deserving of health care," he said.
"We create these barriers (to aid) in our society where the need is the greatest. ... Underlying that, we have to presume that there is a school of thought in the Legislature that there are Mississippians who don't deserve health care and, therefore, don't deserve to live."
While Mitchell said he doesn't know the lawmakers' motivations for proposing more restrictions on Medicaid, drug testing and legal challenges won't come cheap.
"If they're looking at administrative efficiency, that's not there with this bill they're proposing," he said.
"... This is not by any means efficient, effective public-health policy."
Polk also co-authored Collins' bill to require public-assistance recipients to serve at least 20 hours of community service per week. Polk says some of the details will have to be addressed in committee, such as whether a person has a job but is still on some form of public assistance, but that the bill is a "broad blueprint."
"People on assistance are receiving help from taxpayers. Most of those taxpayers are working to a point that they can't offer community service like they wish they could sometimes," he said. "... You get a wonderful feeling (from serving the community), and I think sometimes those who have made public assistance a way of life don't have the self-esteem and the feeling of accomplishment ... from helping others as they've been helped."
Polk also said getting people out and working in the community could teach them skills to find a job, such as transitioning from serving in a soup kitchen to working in a restaurant.
"If you're on welfare, you ought to spend that money on medicine or food," Flowers said.
"If the taxpayers are picking up the tab for your health-care costs and/or your welfare benefits, you ought to be responsible enough to spend our money wisely."
Flowers' bill would require the Division of Medicaid and the State Tax Commission to develop a computer program to determine whether license-plate applicants are Medicaid recipients, although he still says the benefits of the program would outweigh the costs of developing it.
"We sent a man to the moon in the '60s," he said. "Surely we can figure out a computer program that is low-cost, ... simple and effective at preventing Medicaid recipients and welfare recipients from getting a vanity license plate."
Flowers has also introduced a bill that would require the Division of Medicaid to redetermine recipients' eligibility at least once every six months. Right now, Medicaid recipients are eligible for a year at a time. Although staff would have to verify eligibility more frequently for some people, Flowers said the measure should ultimately save money by taking people off Medicaid if they find a job before a full year is up.
Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, has introduced a bill to require Medicaid recipients to submit to random nicotine testing.
If they test positive, people would have to participate in a tobacco-cessation program or lose their eligibility to receive Medicaid benefits for a year. He pointed to information from Smokefree Air Mississippi, which shows that tobacco-related diseases cost the state $264 million each year in direct Medicaid costs.
Medicaid currently serves 711,000 Mississippians.
McDaniel also introduced a bill to require agencies to verify that public-benefits applicants are in the United States legally.
"Hail! Hail! The gang's all heeere! What the heck do we care? What the heck do we care?" I smile thinking about where I've heard that tune so many times over the years--comfortably ensconced in a vinyl booth at Crechale's (3107 U.S. Highway 80 W., 601-355-1840), taking in the jukebox, the furniture that looks as if it's been there for decades (and probably has), the recessed red-neon lighting along the ceiling. I'd like to say I've tried most everything on the menu, but I usually order the stuffed flounder or stuffed shrimp. I just can't get past those two items. They are too consistently good for me to stray.
Nothing about this little Jackson restaurant is average. The perfect baked potato exists, and you will find it right here. I've been tempted to drink the comeback dressing straight from the bottle rather than wait politely for the salad to arrive at the table. The staff never meets a stranger here. These people know their restaurant, their food and their customer base.
Drive east from Crechale's, take the State Street exit and meander downtown to Capitol Street for two more venerable Jackson fixtures: the Elite Restaurant (141 E. Capitol St., 601-352-5606) and the Mayflower Cafe (123 W. Capitol St., 601-355-4122). The Elite is dear to my heart for the hamburger steak smothered in onions, the enchiladas and the rolls. When I was working in an office in my college days, we'd sometimes make a trip to the Elite. We'd get there by 11 a.m. If we got there later, we risked blowing our entire lunch hour waiting for a table. It was just that busy.
Let me paint you a picture: Walk through the door, and you're immediately confronted with emerald-green vinyl booths bordering the walls, aging waitresses in black polyester whipping out the entrees and dinner rolls and a pleasant gentleman who quietly escorts you to a booth or table, whichever is available. I've always loved the green vinyl booths. Everything is informal and comfortably worn. It has changed little since my college days; I'm delighted that the booths are still green.
I adore the Mayflower, too. She's walking distance from the Elite. This restaurant is also bereft of contemporary decor. The paint is flaking on the sign out front as it should be.
The Mayflower, too, boasts a comeback dressing that is drinkable from the bottle. I've only eaten here on a few occasions; if I ate here more often, I'd weigh a lot more. The food is simple and well prepared. There is no frou-frou. The stuffed flounder is memorable--as good as any I've had on the Coast. In fact, Mayflower's specialty is seafood. People don't come for the decor or the atmosphere; they come to eat. The staff greets everyone warmly, and the service is impeccable. I am planning another trip soon. It's been too long.
What is it about these old staid fixtures that keep sucking us in? A negative word uttered against these places in our presence can provoke a fight. For me, it's about continuity in a world that seems to be getting crazier and less consistent with each passing day. Politicians let me down on a regular basis. The stock market tanks at inopportune times. Conflicts arise at home and overseas. I've seen my purchasing power dwindle. Many of us wonder if our jobs will fall victim to layoffs in this volatile economy. Yet, I'm comforted by the idea that the same restaurants I've enjoyed since I was old enough to drive are still standing and still serving the same dishes, prepared the same way they've always prepared them.
Though I've only named three restaurants, there are so many more old restaurants I love. The Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 601-362-6388) serves a burger worth singing for. Primos Cafe and Bake Shop (2323 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-936-3398; 515 Lake Harbor Drive, Ridgeland, 601-898-3600) is still turning out covetable caramel cakes and petit fours in its current locations. I could go on and on.
I'll always try a new restaurant, but eventually, I'll go home to my favorite old places. They're the old friends who warmly welcome me back, no matter how long I've been away.
I came of age inside the walls of those staid institutions, perusing the menus for the house specials, exchanging pleasantries with wait staff who could put me to shame with their multitasking skills. In a surreal world, where so many bow in homage to transience, these restaurants--some with peeling paint and fading vinyl--demand that we give the past our nod of respect. In return, they gift us with a sense of history and permanence.
The following local restaurants are featuring special menus for Valentine's Day.
Fatsumo (3100 N. State St., 769-216-3574)
Fatsumo will have special feature rolls plus a five-course meal. The first course is quail egg-drop soup or corn and crab chowder. The second course is lobster tail tempura, vermicelli noodle salad and jalapeno ponzu, or citrus-crusted marlin with Asian slaw. The third course is smoked salmon salsa or scallop ceviche with shrimp chips. The fourth course is a 6-ounce ribeye with edamame mash and candied garlic asparagus, or exotic fish sampler. The fifth course is your choice of strawberry cheesecake, peppermint bread pudding or chocolate mousse.
Mezza (1896 Main St., Madison, 601-853-0876)
The Valentine's Day special for two is $55. It includes two seasonal salads, appetizer sampler, entrée (lamb kebab with shrimp and scallops) and dessert (Lebanese yellow cake with cashew and raisins).
Nick's (3000 Old Canton Road, 601-981-8017)
The Valentine's special for two is $80. The first course includes Maine lobster cake with arugula, sweet onion and tarragon aioli. The second course is chateaubriand for two with truffled potato gratin, roasted asparagus and a red wine bordelaise. The third course is dark chocolate mousse with Chantilly cream and fresh berries.
Char (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 142, 601-956-9562)
For lunch, have lobster meat tossed with angel-hair pasta, English peas, pearl onions and wild mushrooms in a herb cream sauce for $16. Valentine's night, have an appetizer of broiled oysters on the half shell with horseradish compound butter and champagne mignonette for $12, or an entree of porcini-mushroom-dusted sea bass over lobster and Yukon-gold potato hash with sweet vermouth burre rouge for $34.
Mint (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5002, 601-898-6468)
Regular menu plus Valentine's Day "Wine Me Dine Me" menu designed by Executive Chef JT Nicholson, $69 per person. It will feature an appetizer, a choice of entrees (meat or fish) and a dessert. Sommelier/owner Patrick Kelly will pair each course with wine. Make reservations at opentable.com or by phone.
Pan-Asia (720 Harbour Pointe Crossing, Ridgeland, 601-956-2958)
Pan-Asia features the "Romance by Sea" Valentine's Night menu, guest chef Keith Kornfeld, live music and complimentary Champagne. The meal costs $50 per person or $80 per couple. The amuse bouche includes chili prawns, crunchy wonton, "hot pink" pickled red-onion relish, "sizzling" wok-fired wild mushrooms, or crispy rice-flour tartlet with Thai basil (vegetarian). For an appetizer, choose from flashed-fried cod "embraced" by fragrant leaves and toasted sesame-sweet soy glaze, or broiled oysters on the half shell "seduced" with lemongrass cream, caviar and fried shallots, or steamed vegetable dumplings "allure" with black-soy rice vinegar (vegetarian). Choose entrées: "from the heart" Thai red-curry lobster, dumplings, apple eggplant, coconut and basil, or "steamy" Asian bouillabaisse, prawns, mussels, crabmeat, scallops and sake, or "luscious" paneer butter masala makhani with tomato, spices (vegetarian). Dessert is "silky smooth" ruby-red chestnuts, coconut ice cream or dark-chocolate "love" soufflé and vanilla-bean ice cream.
The Strawberry Café (107 Depot Drive, Madison, 601-856-3822)
The Strawberry Café will serve its regular menu plus a special Valentine's Day menu with one appetizer, a soup or salad, two entrées and one dessert for $90 per couple (wine pairings available). The appetizer is a strawberry picnic with fresh fruit and cheese ($10). Soups and salads include lobster bisque ($5) or mango salad (fresh mangoes atop mixed greens with goat cheese, candied bacon, purple onions and a champagne vinaigrette, $5). Each entrée is served with asparagus. Try a hand-cut 8-ounce filet topped with béarnaise sauce and jumbo lump crabmeat served with garlic mashed potatoes ($33) or seared diver scallops served atop a walnut pesto with rice pilaf ($30). Have chocolate mousse with strawberries ($8) for dessert.
The Penguin Restaurant and Bar (1524 Highway 80 W., 601-352-0036)
The Valentine special is $50 per person. Appetizers include chipotle shrimp cocktail and crab cake with cajun remoulade. Choose New England clam chowder or tomato bisque. Salads include the Penguin Salad (mixed greens, bacon, cheddar shreds, egg, purple onion, cucumber, tomato and choice of dressing), a Caesar salad (blend of romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons and Caesar dressing) and a passion salad (mixed greens, purple onions, strawberries, chopped walnuts and a strawberry vinaigrette). The three entrées are redfish cupid (blackened, topped with lump crab meat with rice pilaf and asparagus), tournedos amor (beef medallions glazed with a peppercorn sauce plus garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus) and chicken picatta (sautéed, boneless chicken breast topped with a caper buerre blanc with rice pilaf and asparagus). Have red-velvet cake, chocolate-mousse pie or New York cheesecake with strawberry topping for dessert.
Remember to add your restaurant's special Valentine's Day menu to this story at http://www.jfp.ms.
One Sunday before Christmas, a packed bus from an out-of-town Missionary Baptist Church pulled into the parking lot of Romantic Adventures on U.S. Highway 80. The traveling Sunday school disembarked to buy dirty Santa gifts. This isn't the oddest thing owner Thomas G. Harris has seen.
Romantic Adventures sells lingerie, adult videos and contraception. The biggest sellers, however, are gadgets. “By gadgets, we mean sex toys,” Harris says. A popular item this month is a single, romantic rose that looks innocent enough in its cute plastic form. It is also a personal massager.
Valentine’s Day is Harris’ Christmas. He will see more business now than any other time of the year. It’s an emotion-driven business, but that’s not always enough in a tough economy.
“I thought it would be a recession-proof business, but it’s not,” Harris said. “When everything nosedived, we went with it.”
Harris, 68, is an Eagle Scout, an Air Force veteran and an engineer. He’s a lifelong member of the NRA, a 1972 Mississippi State University graduate and a former president of the Columbus Host Lions Club. He races Corvettes and has a much younger girlfriend. Harris is also a prostate cancer survivor who studies tantric yoga. He was born in California, grew up in Vicksburg and worked as an engineer in Columbus, Miss., for 20 years before moving to Jackson in the late 1990s.
Harris started his company, HCH Holdings, in 2001 with his brother and a good friend. His partners have since died, and Harris is now the sole owner of the store. Most of his customers are married or long-term partners who come in together.
Romantic Adventures offers military and police discounts.
Mississippi law bans the sale of sex toys, but not the possession of them. “You can possess them all day long,” he says.
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2008 overturned a similar ban in Texas. Since then, the law hasn’t bothered Harris. His lawyer advised him to have each customer become a member. He has 150,000 members now.
“I have got quite a few celebrity signatures,” Harris said.
Harris is conservative on many issues, liberal on others. “The common thread is (that) I object to the government telling me how to live my life,” he says.
He thinks much of the state lives under a dark cloud of pain, suffering, denial and hardship. Getting rid of negative energy is part of the reason he stays.
“I love Mississippi. The people are as good as anywhere you are going to find,” he says. “The strongest energy in the world is love.
The JFP is featuring the stories of some of the people Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words.
By R.L. Nave
Jason Clint Moffitt
Benton County, 2009
Jason Moffitt comes from what of his letter of recommendation writers calls an "extremely fine and acknowledged family in Benton County." Jason's father, Jerry, was sheriff there and, after his death, his wife, Peggy served as sheriff until a special election took place. But in February 2008, the Moffitt family name was marred when a grand jury indicted Jason in a scheme to commit voter fraud. According to the indictment, Moffitt along with two other people conspired to influence the outcome of the August 2007 primary in which Moffitt was running for sheriff. The payoff: $20 to for the absentee vote of one woman. On Jan. 10, 2012 Moffitt received a full pardon.
In his clemency application he writes: The perp walk and media coverage from Memphis to Tupelo cause great humiliation and embarrassment for my family and myself. After the arrest, I sought employment in the private sector to no avail. I believe that this negative coverage had an effect on me personally not being able to get a job. Thus, I decided to start my own business. But with house arrest, I cannot perform the outfitter job hands-on because I cannot cross over state lines. With the time curfew, I cannot actively participate in the activities of my children for church, school, and social events. It is hard when your child questions why you go to these events in your vehicle and don't ride with them and you must leave before the event is over. My college major is in criminal justice. But having no gun rights has prohibited me from seeking employment in the career field that I have been educated for, trained for, and experience in! I have always been active in youth hunts with family and friends. Having no gun rights, I can’t take part or even take my own son hunting. My daddy took me on my first gun hunt at the age of 8. My son has a bee-bee gun that I am trying to teach him the concepts of gun safety with. I had always been a law-abiding person and tried to set examples for the young people in our community. I had never had an arrest, never used tobacco, alcohol or drugs and my friends and young people knew that. This pardon would allow our family to get back to our normal way of life.
The Self-Portrait Art Show at Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St.) is at 5 p.m. Free; call 601-291-9115. ... The artist reception for Jean Seymour is at 5 p.m. at Nunnery's at Gallery 119 (119 S. President St.). Free; call 601-969-4091. ... The Oxford Film Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. at Malco Oxford Studio Cinema (1111 Jackson Ave. W., Oxford) and runs through Feb. 12. Visit oxfordfilmfest.com. ... The quartet New York Polyphony performs at 7:30 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church (3921 Oakridge Drive). $20, $5 students; call 601-594-5584. ... Akami Graham and the Key of G perform during Centric Thursday at Dreamz JXN. ... Snazz plays during Ladies Night/Men Are Pigs Night at Bourbon St. ... The Denton Hatcher Band plays at Martin's.
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood cried foul this afternoon on the less-than-sunshiney manner in which the House Sunshine Act was introduced and passed out of committee in less than 18 hours. Hood said he didn't even get a chance to read the bill, which Speaker Philip Gunn sponsored, that would usurp some of his constitutional rights as the state's chief legal officer because he was up until 2 a.m. preparing briefs for the Thursday Supreme Court hearing about Pardongate. Here's the verbatim statement from Hood's office on the Sunshine Act:
AG Warns New Bill Will Cause Chaos for State’s Legal Business
February 7, 2012
Jackson, MS—Attorney General Jim Hood today is warning that House Bill 122 introduced last night under the cover of darkness and passed out of the House Judiciary A Committee early this morning by Speaker Philip Gunn of Clinton and Representative Mark Baker of Brandon violates the constitution which gives the Attorney General the sole authority to speak in court with one voice on behalf of the state. The bill would allow state officials, agencies, boards, commissions, departments or institutions to hire their own outside attorneys over the Attorney General.
General Hood, who had a budget committee hearing this morning at 8:30 before the Senate, asked Mark Baker, Chairman of the House Judiciary A Committee, to give him a day to read the bill before he held a hearing on it, but Baker refused. When General Hood asked Baker to at least wait until he could finish his Senate budget hearing, Baker refused. When General Hood was allowed to leave the Senate Appropriations sub-committee hearing early, he went into the House hearing, but Baker refused to recognize General Hood so that he could advise the Committee members of the constitutional problems with the bill.
General Hood stated, “The people elected Philip Gunn, Mark Baker and me to work together, regardless of party. The least they could have done would have been to give the Committee members an opportunity to hear from the people’s lawyer the truth about the bill. It is obvious that by the way they introduced this so-called “sunshine bill” under the cover of darkness last night and passed it out of committee at 8:30 this morning that they did not want the people to hear the truth. I hope the voters in Speaker Gunn’s district in Clinton and Chairman Baker’s district in Brandon will call them tonight and ask why they railroaded a bill through without even giving the people’s lawyer an opportunity to speak to the committee.”
State law makes the Attorney General the Chief Legal Officer of the State intrusted with management of all legal affairs of the state, and prosecution of all suits, civil or criminal, in which the state is interested, having power to control and manage all litigation on behalf of the state, and to maintain all suits necessary for enforcement of state laws, preservation of order, and protection of public rights. Kennington-Saenger Theatres, Inc. v. State ex rel. District Att’y, 196 Miss. 841, 18 So. 2d 483 (1944).
HB122 seeks to strip the Attorney General’s constitutional authority and amend several state statutes in the process.
“The Attorney General is put in place to defend the state’s interests and to provide a unified voice to the state on all legal matters,” said Attorney General Hood. “If this bill passes, then agency heads with agendas and interests of their own will be allowed to pursue those interests on the taxpayers’ dime over the states interest as a whole with no oversight. We have had several cases where agency directors have been sued for sexual harassment. Their interests have been to spend money defending a losing case; whereas, the state’s interest was to settle the case and save money on lawyers.”
Take for example, a recent case where the Department of Revenue hired their own lawyers who attempted to settle a case for approximately $3 million. The Attorney General pursued the same case and received $100 million for the state. Moreover, the $4 billion the state recovered from tobacco companies would have never occurred had this law been in place.
“What you have here is nothing more than an attempt to weaken the power of the Attorney General and to create a “good ole boy” system of doing legal business in this state,” said Attorney General Hood.
“I am so disappointed that I was not even allowed to address committee members, many of whom are newly elected lawmakers, to provide them with my perspective concerning the dangers of this bill,” said Attorney General Hood. “The chairman of today’s hearing refused to even allow me to testify.”
The Attorney General added, “This bill creates a system ripe for cronyism, chaos, more government, duplication of services and is a severe waste of taxpayer dollars. It is not in the public interest or the way our constitution intended. Corporate wrongdoers and other criminals will celebrate if this bill passes. I hope lawmakers will see through this ludicrousness and do what is right.”
Before a House Judiciary A Committee commenced this morning, a young staffer quipped to a buddy that with the end of hunting season in Mississippi, he has nothing to look forward to.
But for Republicans in the state, one trophy remains to elude them: Jim Hood, attorney general and solo statewide Democratic office holder.
Republicans sitting on Jud-A had their quarry in their sights as they considered a bill that's been dubbed the Sunshine Act, which seeks greater transparency when it comes to hiring outside law firms to represent the state in lawsuits. The bill would empower state agencies, boards and commissions--from the treasurer's office down to the Egg Marketing Board--to hire their own attorneys if the agency believes a conflict of interest exists with the attorney general's office, which usually represents the state in legal matters. It also requires a legal-services contract of more than $100,000 to be forwarded to the Personal Service Contract Review Board for publication online.
"This clarifies the process and sheds some light on it," Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, one of the bill's co-sponsors, said.
And even though Hood's office currently posts large contracts on the AG's website, Jud-A committee chairman Mark Baker, R-Brandon, said agencies are not required to do so. This bill would make it a state law, Baker added.
Democrats believe the bill's sole purpose is to retaliate against Hood for thumbing his nose at powerful Republicans and large corporations.
Rep. Bobby Moak, D-Bogue Chitto, said the bill doesn't say who the arbiter of perceived conflicts of interest would be. He later offered an amendment that would let the Mississippi Bar Association make that determination. That amendment failed, along with two others put forth by Moak--one to prohibit lawmakers from being hired as special counsel and another to require all legal contracts, regardless of amount, to be published on agencies' websites.
Several other Democrats tried to offer amendments but Baker, the chairman, ignored them. Rep. Earle Banks, D-Jackson, wanted a provision that would require both the attorney general and agency head wanting to hire the outside firm to agree that a conflict exists.
Hood, who also attended the meeting but did not speak, called the provision to let agencies hire their own lawyers "ludicrous." Although he acknowledged that the bill wouldn't preclude him from pursuing matters he thinks are in the state's interest, he's concerned that situations could arise when opposing attorneys could represent the state.
"You can't have the state fighting itself," Hood said.
Baker said the bill could go to the floor as early as Thursday.
Royal Bleu Fashions
One University Place has opened its doors to a new boutique in the heart of Jackson.
Royal Bleu Fashions (1100 John R. Lynch St.) sells ready-to-wear and contemporary fashions. Sizes range from 0 to plus sizes. The boutique hosts local, national and international fashions. Shoes, purses and jewelry are also sold in the store.
"The store is not only catering to Jackson State students, but to the community," Marissa Simms, the boutique's owner, said. The store also sells official Jackson State apparel and paraphernalia.
Royal Bleu opened in October but will host its grand opening at One University Place Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
Openings and New Locations
Local 98, a Jackson-metro TV station that operates on Comcast Channel 98, will have its grand opening at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame this evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Randy Tinney is the owner and operator of Local 98.
Barefield Workplace Office Solutions will host its ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new health-care showroom Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. The company is located at 251 W. South St.
Nationwide chains are also making some changes in the Jackson area. Old Navy will host its grand opening in a new location Feb. 25. The clothing store is moving to 6238 Ridgewood Court.
New to the Jackson metro area is LongHorn Steakhouse, a casual restaurant open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant resembles a rancher's home, a statement about the opening said, and is known for its fresh, tender, juicy steaks.
The Golden Triangle
The United States Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized the Golden Triangle Solid Waste Management Authority as one of the nation's top renewable energy generation projects.
The landfill won the award for its gas-to-electricity project in northeast Mississippi. The Environmental Protection Agency honored the project for excellence, innovation, and environmental and economic benefits in landfill gas generation.
On Feb. 21 and 22, Golden Triangle Solid Waste Management will hold a symposium to identify economic opportunities for sustaining and growing Mississippi's transportation centers while preserving livable communities and environmental quality. The event begins at 12:30 p.m Tuesday, Feb. 21, and costs $100. For information, call Bill McAnally at 662-325-2809.
Stephen Ekunwe, a biology professor at Jackson State University, has recently been named a fellow of the African Scientific Institute. The ASI Fellows association is an international group of accomplished academics, researchers, and business people in the fields of science and technology. The association elects individuals to membership and recognizes each fellow for excellence in his or her field and gives awards for distinguished achievement. There are currently 553 ASI Fellows from 41 countries.
ASI recognized Ekunwe for his achievements in cellular and molecular biology, especially in colon and prostate cancer research with the edible medicinal herb, Ocimum gratissimum. He has researched microbial molecular genetics, bioremediation and Escherichia coli, the E. coli bacterium. He has also worked as a molecular geneticist, worked on developing wound-healing chemicals and researched soil-contaminating bacteria.
Ekunwe was born in Nigeria in 1952, the second of seven children of Gabriel and Mary Ekunwe. His mother was a self-employed businesswoman, and his father worked for the Nigerian public-health department treating leprosy patients. Watching his father on the job was what first motivated Ekunwe to go into the field of health research and disease treatment., according to his profile on the website for the Multicultural Environmental Leadership Development Initiative.
After leaving Nigeria to further his education in the U.S, Ekunwe completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in biology at Jackson State University in 1985 and 1990, respectively, and earned a doctorate in microbiology and cell and molecular biology from Michigan State University in 1998. Before coming to JSU, Ekunwe worked as an instructor at Tougaloo College, a summer faculty research associate at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in Berkeley, Calif., and as a teaching assistant at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. Ekunwe joined the Jackson State faculty in 1998.
At a special meeting yesterday, Councilman Quentin Whitwell made an emergency motion for the city to get a supplemental lease at the Metrocenter Mall, an idea he shared with the Jackson Free Press last week. His motion died, but it comes before the council later today.
The City Council has asked Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. for more information about an additional $250,000 needed to complete technical wiring and cabling for computers and telephones in the old Belk store space where the city will move some offices. The mayor submitted a change order, but the council refused last week to act on it without the requested information. Whitwell’s alternative idea was to have contractor Retro Metro complete the work and then allow the city to spread the expense over time in the form of the supplemental lease. When he made his motion, Whitwell suggested that the council should go into executive session to discuss legal consequences with city attorneys.
Councilman Charles Tillman, Ward 5, opposed Whitwell’s emergency motion. Because of the emergency status that one opposing vote killed the motion—at least for a day. Tillman told the JFP that Whitwell’s motion “blindsided” him. He also is looking for more information and is curious when the city knew about the overlooked specifications.
Whitwell's item will appear on today’s City Council agenda at 4 p.m. This is another special meeting as the city tries to iron out the council schedule for the year. State law requires the council to meet on the first Tuesday after the first Monday, but a city ordinance says the council meets every other week.
The JFP is featuring the stories of some of the people Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words.
By R.L. Nave
Rankin County, 2000
Thomas Cole Kendall moved to a trailer park with a friend in 1998 and started dating Shelly, a girl he thought was 16 going on 17. When he went to pick her up for the couple's first date, he found out that Shelly was actually just 15 years old. Kendall continued dating her, participating in cookouts with her parents and even babysitting her young siblings at times. He said her family accepted him as Shelly's boyfriend, and he was making plans for their future. Then, in the spring of 1999, those plans came to a halt when Shelly's mother learned she and Kendall had been having sex. Kendall was arrested, and in the fall of 2000 convicted of gratification of lust. He received a full pardon on Jan. 10, 2012. In his clemency application, he writes:
Jail was just beginning of my nightmare that definitely became worse after I got out. I have acquired skills in a lot of different jobs especially the electrical field yet these skills are useless to me if my employer runs a background check. I have been denied countless job openings and even laid off after being employed at times because the work involved a government building or business that required a background check for anyone working construction in those buildings. Nevertheless, I've never collected unemployment. I continue to pick myself up and keep finding jobs regardless of how hard I fall each time. My picture and name is posted on websites warning people of where I live of what I was convicted for because I'm considered a sexual offender by the state of Mississippi. The reason I want to receive a pardon is so I can use my hard work ethic and skills I have learned to make a better life for my family by getting a chance at those jobs that require a background check. I also want a pardon so that my son and wife do not live with the embarrassment of trying to explain why daddy’s picture is on the Internet as a sex offender. Lastly, I want a pardon because I truly did care about Shelly and I stayed in a relationship with her for a year with her parent’s approval. The largest difference between that relationship and any other high school relationship with that I was held back in school twice because of car accidents completely out of my control. I'm not saying I'm not guilty of breaking the law because I know the law is black and white. But if there was any gray area in the law it would have definitely covered a young immature 19-year-old boy who was really only 17 years old in maturity, truly cared for a 15-year-old girl, dated her with her parents' permission for a year and made the mistake of allowing a relationship to become physical. I'm begging for the chance to be remembered as the loving father, committed husband, and hard-working family man that I truly am without having my reputation tarnished from such a complicated past.
At 2:30 p.m. today the Federal Court for the Southern District of Mississippi entered a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) enjoining the execution of Hart Turner until February 20, 2012. Mr. Turner had been scheduled for execution on February 8, 2012.
Mr. Turner’s attorneys had argued that the Mississippi Department of Corrections was improperly preventing them from sending a psychiatrist to have their client psychiatrically assessed for the purpose of possible litigation to prevent his execution or to seek clemency from the Governor. Mr. Turner, a man with no prior convictions, has a long and extensive history of mental illness, including having been released from a mental hospital just weeks before the crime for which he has been sentenced to death.
The court held that Mr. Turner had made a substantial showing that his rights to Due Process were being violated and that he was likely to succeed in his lawsuit. The court also held that Mr. Turner would suffer irreparable harm if a temporary restraining order were not issued because he would be executed by the state before the court could issue a meaningful decision on the merits of his claim.
In granting the temporary order, Judge Reeves stated:
“... to the extent that the State of Mississippi enjoys an interest in putting Turner to death, the opportunity would not be forever lost simply by requiring the Department of Corrections first to permit Turner to meet with a psychiatrist. Assuring that constitutional protections are provided to each of its citizens is not a disservice to the American public.”
Mr. Turner’s attorney, James Craig of the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center said:
“America’s justice system is founded on the notion that everyone gets their fair day in court. This judge is simply doing his job to protect the values we all share by making sure that Mr. Turner has a fair chance to present his case to the courts and to the Governor.
"Mr. Turner has never had a fair opportunity to present the evidence that he is the sort of seriously mentally ill prisoner who should not be executed in a humane criminal justice system. We are simply asking that we be allowed to have access to our client so that we can have him psychiatrically assessed so that the best information is available before any decision is made to proceed with the execution.
"A Temporary Restraining Order cannot be appealed but is also of very limited duration. The case will now be quickly set for a full hearing on whether the Department of Corrections is violating the Constitution by seeking to execute Mr. Turner without allowing him adequate access to the courts and to the Governor.”
For further comment please contact attorney James Craig (601) 503 8065 jimc@thejusticecenter.org or if he is unavailable, Director of the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center, Richard Bourke (504) 258 2915 richardb@thejusticecenter.org.
Hinds County jails are joining the buy-local movement.
This morning, Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis asked the board of supervisors to contract with a new commissary provider, Premiere Supply Link LLC.
Lewis, who took office late last year, told supervisors that switching to Premiere, a locally and minority-owned firm, enables his office to be better stewards of taxpayers' dollars. Under the agreement, Premiere would pay the county a 31-percent commission on sales compared to the 25-percent the county receives from its current food-services company, Chickasha, Okla.-based Tiger Commissary Services Inc.
Socrates Garrett, who represented the company with Dennis Martin, said the company has a 40,000-square-foot facility on Ellis Avenue that will be a "completely transparent operation." Premiere representatives also said the company is working on a similar deal with Madison County jails. Records from the Mississippi Secretary of State indicate that the company was created Nov. 8, 2011.
Supervisors approved the Premiere contract pending review by the board attorney. No dollar amount for the contract was given at the meeting. However, the county paid Tiger Services $195,785 in the 2010 fiscal year and $15,207 in fiscal year 2011, records show.
The commission the county collects goes to a fund that pays for inmate programs.
Several agenda items requested by new District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes failed due to a lack of a second or passed on a conditional basis. Stokes' attempt to appoint Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba to the Hinds County Community College Board of Trustees failed to be seconded.
"For a routine appointment?," Stokes asked. Board Attorney Crystal Wise Martin explained that Lumumba, a city councilman, cannot hold the executive position of college trustee.
Stokes' request to name his son, Keith Stokes, to the county Economic Development Board passed pending a review by the state Ethics Commission. Stokes also wanted to rename County Penal Farm Road in honor of Robert T. White, but that effort failed as well. District 4 Supervisor Phil Fisher said he opposed renaming things for the sake of renaming things.
"It's just a matter of time before Kenny Stokes gets some help up here," Stokes said.
District 3 Supervisor Peggy Calhoun, whose father died recently, did not attend the meeting.
Many young girls know one--a "friend" who makes fun of them and points out faults at every opportunity but responds to complaints and hurt feelings with a laugh and "just kidding."
Maybe it's time for a friend divorce.
Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls," says girls need to realize that "being nice" doesn't mean they can't stand up for themselves. Adults can help by teaching children coping strategies to deal with bullies, even if it means ending a friendship before it becomes too damaging.
Simmons has researched bullying among girls around the country, from a prep school in Massachusetts to a small school district in northeast Mississippi. She said aggression and bullying are epidemic across all age groups and across the country.
"I think southern culture is a very loving place to be, but like anywhere else, it's got plenty of aggression," she said.
Simmons spoke at the Mississippi Kids Count conference Friday about her research and how parents and educators can address bullying.
"One of the ways we address girls bullying is by talking with them about some of their behaviors," she said. "Girls need to understand when you say, 'I won't be your friend anymore if you won't do what I want,' that's a form of aggression, and parents need to know to stop it when they see it. Teachers need to know to deal with it in the classroom. It starts with policy, it continues with consistent enforcement, and it's something parents, teachers and all of us, really, have to take a role in."
Most of all, Simmons said children need to know that there is nothing wrong with them if someone is bullying them, and that they have resources and people to talk and empathize with them.
"One of the most surprising things in my own research is the way that kids value empathy from adults," she said. "Kids know we're probably not going to solve all their problems; it's pretty hard for us to follow them into school and fix it. But what they do want from us is empathy. They want to know that we hear them, we see them, and we take seriously what they're going through."
Sue Ellen Codding, a volleyball coach from McComb who attended the conference, said she now recognizes that some of the girls on her team are bullying others through nonverbal behavior and body language. She wants to address the problem in part by making sure the bullies know that what they are doing is hurtful, rather than normal girl behavior.
"If girls are just being mean because they're girls, well, they need to be taught that it's not OK to be mean," she said.
Simmons said that adults, including teachers, sometimes bully children, and the power difference can make it even more difficult for children to deal with the bullying.
"We can't help the kids until we as adults take responsibility for our own aggression," she said.
Parents can help their children in those situations by teaching them to cope with unfair situations, such as excusing themselves to the bathroom if they can't take it anymore, or talking with the school counselor, Simmons said. Children will also remember when an adult sympathizes and works with them to deal with the bullying.
"A lot of the time we can't make it go away, but we can create experiences within the pain that they carry with them and that define them after they come through it," she said.
Before replacing kicking legend Adam Vinatieri, New England Patriots placekicker Stephen Gostkowski was a three-sport star for the Madison Cenral Jaguars in high-school. He was all-state in football, baseball and soccer.
Gostkowski won a state championship in baseball his senior season. He had a 16-2 record with a 1.00 ERA.
The future NFL field-goal kicker ended up going to Memphis to play baseball. He walked onto the football team and ended up earning a full scholarship. Gostkowski earned all-conference honors in both football and baseball while at Memphis.
When the Patriots faced the New York Giants in 2007, Gostkowski never got a chance to kick a field goal in Super Bowl XLII. He did, however, make both his extra-point attempts.
This season, Gostkowski missed a 29-yard field goal when the Patriots faced the Giants. He then came back to make a 32-yard field goal and a 45-yard field goal.
He also made both his extra points in that game.
New York beat the Patriots 24-20 in the regular season matchup between these two teams.
Gostkowski kicked a 29-yard field goal to get the New England Patriots back into Super Bowl XLVI yesterday after they fell behind the New York Giants 9-0. He made both his extra-point attempts, but was not a factor in the final minutes of the Giants 21-17 win. New England needed a touchdown late because a field goal would do them no good.
AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.
• Through Feb. 29, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl) Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; call 601-932-2562.
• Through April 16, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road) Mondays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; call 601-372-1621.
• Through April 17, at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road) Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; call 601-987-8181.
• Through April 16, at Quisenberry Library (605 E. Northside Drive, Clinton) Mondays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m.; call 601-924-5684.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure Conference Feb. 7-8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). The Mississippi Urban Forest Council is the host. Topics include conservation, risk management and community revitalization. CEU credits available. Registration required. $95, $75 members, $25 students, $20 awards program.; call 601-672-0755.
"Black History: Road to the Vote" Feb. 7-23, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). This program for school groups provides a glimpse of African-American history in Mississippi and their struggle for voting rights. Reservations required. Free; call 601-576-6920.
5:30 p.m., Jackson Public School Board Meeting, at Jackson Public Schools (621 S. State St.). The board meets for its regular session, open to the public. Call 601-960-8700.
6 p.m., Mayor's Ward 6 Community Meeting, at Christ Tabernacle Church (1201 Cooper Road). Share suggestions, address concerns, and receive information on city services and job opportunities. Call 601-960-1084.
6 p.m., Ward 3 "Meet the Candidates" Forum, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at Center Stage. Candidates share their platforms, and audience members ask questions and share concerns. Call 601-940-3361.
7 p.m., Do-It-Herself Workshop, at Home Depot, North Jackson (6325 I-55 North). Learn to install a backsplash. Free; call 601-952-0740, ext. 129.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
11:30 a.m., Women's Council Meeting Feb 8, 11:30 a.m., at Ruth's Chris Steak House (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001, Ridgeland). Leadership trainer Sara Jane Hope is the speaker. Prospective members welcome. Lunch included; RSVP. $30; email jodi@madisonchamber.com.
Noon, "History Is Lunch," at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Mississippi Humanities Council project specialist David Morgan presents "Jimmie Rodgers and Will Rogers." Bring lunch; coffee and water provided. Free; call 601-576-6998.
Thursday, Feb. 9
Mississippi Addictions Conference Feb. 9-11, at Hilton Jackson (1001 E. County Line Road). The theme is "Trends, Treatment and Transformations: Addiction in 2012." The conference for health-care workers, counselors, law enforcement and clergy members includes lectures and breakout sessions. The keynote speaker is addiction psychiatrist Dr. Gary Carr. Meals included. $100 and up, $50 and up for one day; call 601-261-9899 or 601-516-0382.
10 a.m., Computer Classes For Adults, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). The Internet search engine class is at 10 a.m., the laptop class is at 2 p.m. and the greeting card class is at 6 p.m. Pre-registration required for evening classes. Free; call 601-932-2562.
11 a.m., Mississippi Minority Business Alliance February Membership Meeting, at Jackson-Evers International Airport (100 International Drive), in the Community Room, third floor. Network with minority business owners and other professionals. Bring business cards. Call 601-965-0366.
11 a.m., Mississippi Education Achievement Council Meeting, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road), in the IHL Board Room. The council works toward education achievement goals for the state. Call 601-432-6333.
6 p.m., Minority Business Network Meeting, at Divine Ministries (1417 W. Capitol St.). Rosalyn Sylvester of AFLAC is the guest speaker. Bring business cards and marketing materials. RSVP recommended. Free; call 601-750-2367.
6 p.m., Precinct 2 COPS Meeting, at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 2 (711 W. Capitol St.). These monthly forums are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0002.
Friday, Feb. 10
9 a.m., Starting a Nonprofit: The Complete Guide to Getting Your 501(c)(3), at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (201 W. Capitol St., Suite 700). Learn the guidelines for registering a tax-exempt organization. $179, $89 members; call 601-968-0061.
9 a.m., Friday Forum, at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C). The speaker is Stuart Kellogg, general manager of WAPT. Free; email nmcnamee@greaterjacksonpartnership.com.
Startup Weekend Jackson Feb 10-12, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.), in Leggett Center. The Mississippi Technology Alliance is the host. Collaborate with designers and developers to create a web or mobile application for a potential business. Joel Bomgar of Bomgar Corporation is the keynote speaker. Student discounts available. $75 by Feb. 9, $99 after, $25 Feb. 10 only; visit jackson.startupweekend.org.
7 p.m., Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, at The Castle of Raymond (1479 Pine Hill Drive, Raymond). The event is in honor of the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Enjoy a cash bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and door prizes. Kolective Rhythm and Tawanna Shunte perform. Wear semi-formal attire and a mask. Proceeds benefit Building Bridges. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $160 table of eight; call 601-922-0100.
Saturday, Feb. 11
7 a.m., Fleet Feet's 10th Anniversary Celebration, at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). The event includes a run/walk, breakfast and door prizes. Free; call 601-899-9696.
8 a.m., Native Plant and Rose Sale, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton). Purchase native shrubs and trees, and antique roses. Call 601-926-1104.
8 a.m., Roll Off Dumpster Day. The city of Jackson's Solid Waste Division is encouraging citizens of Jackson to participate by taking tree limbs, other yard debris, and household items to one of their designated locations until 3 p.m. Residents may bring all household furniture and appliances for disposal. Tires, chemicals and gas tanks not accepted. Free; call 601-960-0000.
8:30 a.m., "Keep Your Head Up: Being Black and Christian in 21st-century Mississippi," at Mount Helm Baptist Church (300 E. Church St.). Speakers include Dr. Anthony Bradley, associate professor of theology and ethics at The King's College, and Pastor C.J. Rhodes. RSVP at admin@mthelm.org by Feb. 6 to receive lunch. Free; call 601-353-3981.
9 a.m., Homebuyers Workshop, at Wingfield High School (1985 Scanlon Drive). Mississippi Home of Your Own (HOYO) empowers people with disabilities to become homeowners through grants and support systems. Residents with and without disabilities in Hinds and surrounding counties are invited to attend. Free; call 601-432-6876 or 866-883-4474.
9 a.m., Parent and Youth Conference, at Zion Travelers MB Church (925 W. Pearl St.). The continental breakfast and registration is at 7:30 a.m. Topics include substance abuse, suicide, bullying, sex, domestic abuse and dropout prevention. Free; call 601-953-5747.
10 a.m., Quarterly Youth Leadership Meeting - Central Region, at Lumpkin's BBQ (182 Raymond Road). Youth ages 10-18 learn how to become activists and leaders in their communities. Topics include effective communication, outreach and civil liberties. Participants also help draft the Mississippi Student Bill of Rights and plan the next Youth Hip-hop Summit. Free; call 601-354-3408.
10 a.m., FirstLove Youth Alliance Meeting, at God's Refuge Christian Fellowship Center/Church (1931 Boling St.). Youth ages 11-18 learn about leadership and responsibility at the Valentine's edition of the event. Registration recommended. Free; visit firstloveya.eventbrite.com.
10 a.m., Free Income Tax Return Preparation, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), at the Student Center, suite 2241. The Center for Business Development and Economic Research, and the Accounting Society offer the service. Free; call 601-979-2029 or 601-979-2699.
10 a.m., Critters and Crawlers, at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). The program for toddlers ages 2-3 and their caregivers includes indoor and outdoor activities, and animal encounters. Discounts available for members. Prices vary; call 601-352-2580, ext. 241.
1 p.m., Raw Food Potluck Social, at Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St.). Please RSVP and indicate what you are bringing. The event includes a raffle for the book "Naked Chocolate: The Astounding Truth About the World's Greatest Food." Free, suggested donation of $10 for first-time guests; email rawfoodms@yahoo.com.
2 p.m., Deep Opening Kripalu Yoga, at Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club, Northeast (46 Northtown Drive). Moira Anderson Miller is the instructor. To register, mail payments to Jean Powers, 3046 Tidewater Circle, Madison, MS 39110. $40 in advance, $45 at the door; e-mail jeanpowersyoga@aol.com.
Sunday, Feb. 12
2 p.m., Francis the Miracle Pup's First Birthday Party, at Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) (960 N. Flag Chapel Road). Enjoy refreshments, party favors, a tour of the shelter and photos with Francis. $10 photo, pet food or other donations welcome; call 601-842-4404.
3 p.m., "Putting Our Voices Together" Monthly Fellowship, at Integrative Health and Wellness Center (6204 N. State St.). Butterflies by Grace Defined by Faith hosts the session, and the topic is "Sharing Our Love to Undress Domestic Violence." Bring toiletries to donate to local shelters. Free, donations welcome; call 601-953-5747.
Monday, Feb. 13
1 p.m., Levee Board Meeting, at Flowood City Hall (2101 Airport Road, Flowood). Members of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl Flood and Drainage Control District hold their monthly meeting. Call 601-939-4243.
Through Feb. 15
GIVE Awards Call for Nominations. The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and the Office of the Governor seeks nominees for the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Awards. The award is for outstanding volunteers who have served their communities. Nominations must be received by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. Email krista@mcvs.org for a nomination form. The awards program is April 16. Call 601-432-6306.
Through Feb. 27
Huggable Heroes Program. Build-A-Bear Workshop recognizes young leaders ages 8-18 who service in their communities and around the world. Anyone age 8 and above can nominate someone through Feb. 27 by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes or by picking up an entry form at participating Build-A-Bear Workshop stores. Winners will receive a $7,500 college scholarship, a $2,500 donation to the charity of his or her choice, and a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop World Bearquarters in St. Louis. Call 888-560-2327.
Through March 2
Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program Registration, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at the Department of Human and Cultural Services, Suite 311-A. The City of Jackson's Family and Youth Division is accepting applications from students ages 16-19. Applicants must provide a birth certificate, Social Security card, a driver's license or state ID, and the parent or guardian's proof of income. Applications accepted weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The deadline is March 2 at 5 p.m.; space limited. Call 601-960-2174 or 601-960-0326.
Through March 9
Yoga Classes, at The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Tara Blumenthal and Katie Cassady teach the class Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon-1 p.m. Beginners and level one students welcome. $12 drop-in fee, $80 class package; email info@tara-yoga.net.
Through April 15
Free Tax Service, at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.). United Way offers the service Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Income limits apply; call for details. Bring all necessary documents. Free; call 211.
Through April 16
Call for Scholarship Applicants, at Community Foundation of Greater Jackson (525 E. Capitol St., Suite 5B). Amounts per scholarship range from $500-$3,200 and are based on merit and need. Visit cfgj.org for guidelines. Call 601-974-6044.
Through April 30
Jackson Inner-city Gardeners Call for Volunteers, at Jackson Inner-city Garden (Medgar Evers Blvd. and Northside Drive, behind the BP station). Volunteers can help prepare the garden for spring planting Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. Email tre.roberts@jiggarden.org.
Through May 22
Leadership, Personal Development and Life Skills Seminar Series, at Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave.). Operation Shoestring and Kuumba Promos host the seminars on first and third Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. during the school year. The purpose is to introduce leadership skills, life management skills and cultural pride to local youth. Enrollment required. Free; call 601-353-3663 or 601-957-2969.
Through June 15
We the People 9*17 Contest. Constituting America seeks music, film, video and oratory entries related to the U.S. Constitution from college and law school students for a $2,000 cash prize. The submission deadline is June 15. Visit constitutingamerica.org.
Through Dec. 15
Run 4 Rehab. The fundraising project benefits rehabilitation services at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. Registered runners raise money for each kilometer run through Dec. 15. Donors determine pledge amount per kilometer; visit run4rehab.com.
Through Dec. 15
Mississippi Farmers Market, at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Call 601-354-6573.
Through Dec. 31
Your Vote Counts, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Students get to use a real voting machine to vote on a variety of issues. The Secretary of State's office is the sponsor. Free; call 601-576-6920.
Ongoing
Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland), at the multi-use trail. Open to the public. Free; call 601-899-9696.
• Weekly Group Walk. Walks are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Walk two or four miles.
• Weekly Group Run. Run 5.4 miles Thursdays at 6 p.m.
• Super Star Senior Adult Walking Club. The group walks Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Toastmasters Club Meetings. Improve your communication skills, and become a better speaker and leader. Membership required. • Public Policy Club 8689 Meetings, at Universities Center (3825 Ridgewood Road). The group meets on first and third Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the computer lab. Call 601-540-8472 or 601-432-6277; visit publicpolicy.freetoasthost.biz. • "Guess Who's Talking Now" Club 3284 Meetings, at Woolfolk Building (501 N. West St.). The group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays in the conference room on the first floor. Call 601-359-6653 or 601-359-2573; visit club3284.freetoasthost.net.
Zumba Fitness Classes. The Latin-inspired aerobics classes are held weekly at two Dance Unlimited Studio locations. Visit duzumba.com for class schedule information. $5; call 601-209-7566.
• 6787 S. Siwell Road, Suite A, Byram.
• 3091 Highway 49 South, Suite E, Florence.
"Real Divas Read" Book Program. Divas 4 Charity seeks low-income women in college who are need assistance with purchasing textbooks. To qualify, students must have a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 and submit a one-page essay of why they should receive benefits to info@divas4charity.com. Benefits include an Amazon Kindle and e-books. The charity also sells $5 raffle tickets to fund the program, and a $100 gas card is given away each month. Call 508-443-4827.
Fitness Center, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project's Farmers' Market (2548 Livingston Road). Options include aerobics and Zumba classes, equipment for resistance training and toning, and access to a personal trainer. No joining fee or long-term commitment is required. Hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. $20 per month; call 601-987-6783.
Diabetes Support Group Meetings, at Baptist Health Systems, Madison Campus (401 Baptist Drive, Madison). Baptist Nutrition Center hosts the meetings on third Thursdays at 1 p.m. Free; call 601-973-1624.
Venture Incubator Talk and Tour Open House, at Venture Incubator (City Centre Building, 200 S. LaMarch St., South Tower, 10th floor). Potential or current small business owners, and professionals interested in mentoring small business owners are welcome to meet with Wes Holsapple, president and CEO, and tour the facilities on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. Refreshments served. Free; call 601-414-0140.
Jackson 2000 Dialogue Circles Program. The program includes sessions of dialogue and problem-solving to encourage racial harmony and community involvement. Jackson 2000 is looking for participants from all walks of life. Email bevelyn_branch@att.net.
Events at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.) • Adopt-a-Park Program Registration, at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organizations and businesses are encouraged to sign up to help maintain Jackson parks and trails by picking up litter, landscaping and painting. Call 601-960-0471. • ENCOUNTER Teen Empowerment Corps. On first Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., Youth Solutions hosts a rally for teens in the Community Room. Activities include spending time with mentors, motivational talks, IGNITE Vocal Talent rehearsal, teen dramas and character development. Free; call 601-829-0323.
Medical Mall Moment Report, at WOAD 1300 AM. Find out about the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's current activities every second Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Call-ins to 601-995-1400 are welcome. Send your questions and comments in advance to zsummers@jacksonmedicalmall.org or call the office for more information. The broadcast is also available on jacksonmedicalmall.org. Call 601-982-8467.
Events at Baptist Medical Center (1225 N. State St.), at Hederman Cancer Center. Registration required. Free; call 601-948-6262 or 800-948-6262. • Cancer Rehab Classes, in the Activity Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The class helps cancer patients enhance cardiovascular strength, endurance, their immune system and bone density. It helps to increase overall strength and stamina, decrease fatigue and weight loss, and improve digestion. • Positive Ones Breast Cancer Support Group. Baptist Cancer Services hosts the meetings on third Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
Weekly Storytime, at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl). Each Tuesday, Baby Bookworms Storytime for children ages birth-36 months is at 9:30 a.m., and Preschool Storytime for children ages 3-6 is at 10:30 a.m. The event includes stories, rhymes, music and a puppet show on the last Tuesday of the month. Free; call 601-932-2562.
Business Plan Workshops, at New Horizon Church International (Renaissance South, 1770 Ellis Ave.). Get hands-on, individualized or small-group assistance to develop your customized business plan. Sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon or 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., and first and third Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 601-371-1390, 601-371-1296 or 601-371-1427.
Tutoring Sessions and Peer-to-peer Study Groups, at Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road), in the Community Room. Sessions are every other Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m.; call to confirm dates. Students in grades 8-12 and GED students are welcome to get help with research projects, state subject areas tests, English, science, history and math. School supplies and snacks provided. Free; call 601-948-4725 or 601-372-1621.
Programs on WMPR 90.1 FM and wmpr901.com. • Women for Progress Radio Broadcast. Dorothy Stewart and Willie Jones host the program on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Topics include education, economics and politics. Call 601-918-5137. • Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. Show. Every Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m., Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. discusses activities, issues and other newsworthy items that are occurring in the city of Jackson. Call 601-960-1084.
Fitness Camp, at Lake Hico Park (4801 Watkins Drive). Do cardiovascular and strength training exercises, and learn about proper nutrition. Sessions are from 8-9 a.m. Saturdays. $20; call 601-331-8468.
Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments, at Java Ink (420 Roberts St., Pearl). Compete and trade cards with other fans at 2 p.m. Sundays. Admission varies each week; call 601-397-6292.
Home Repair Grant Call for Applicants, at Hood Building (200 S. President St.), in suite 316. Seniors 62 and older or disabled citizens may apply between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring valid photo ID, a deed or warranty deed, proof of income, homeowner's insurance and a Social Security card. Call 601-960-1438 or 601-960-1491.
On Location TV, on Comcast channel 18. Host and producer Phyllis "Peaches" Robinson spotlights people, places and events in Jackson. The variety talk show airs at 8:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Send an email if you have a story idea for the show. Email onlocationtv@yahoo.com.
Kids' Fiesta Fun Event, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). On first Fridays from 6-8 p.m., children ages 5-11 learn basic Spanish in a party atmosphere that includes games, songs and refreshments. Limited space; pre-registration required. $15 per child; call 601-500-7700.
Zumba Classes, at Covenant Presbyterian Church (4000 Ridgewood Road). The 45-minute classes are at 8:30 a.m. Fridays. Baby care provided. $5 per class; call 850-572-0055; email ldyg8trlaw@yahoo.com.
NAMI Connection Support Group Meetings. The alliance of individuals with mental illnesses meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to share experiences and learn new ways to cope. Trained facilitators lead the meetings. Free; call 601-899-9058 for location information.
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training, at NAMI Mississippi (411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401). In Our Own Voice is a public education program that allows trained speakers to share their personal stories of mental illness and recovery. Presenters commit to making at least one presentation per month for one year after the two-day training. Free; call 601-899-9058.
Gentle Joints Aquatic Program, at The Club at St. Dominic's (970 Lakeland Drive). The Arthritis Foundation sponsors the low-intensity water class. Sessions are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m. Registration required; club membership optional. $35 for 12 classes, $60 for 24 classes; call 601-200-4925.
Events at St. Dominic Hospital (969 Lakeland Drive). Free. • Cancer Support Group Meetings. Cancer patients and survivors meet on second Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Canter Center. Additional meetings for women are on second Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Call 601-200-3070. • Caregivers Support Group Meetings. The group meets on second Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the conference rooms. Call 601-200-6768. • National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group, in the St. Catherine Room. NAMI Mississippi offers a support group for family members who have an adult relative with a mental illness on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-899-9058.
Game Night, at Heroes and Dreams (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1650, Flowood). Play video, board and card games Fridays from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Free; call 601-992-3100.
Girl Talk Monthly Live Chat. Chat with an OB/GYN on second Tuesdays at 8 p.m. to ask health questions. Questions can also be emailed ahead of time. Visit mbhs.org/girltalk.
The JFP is featuring the stories of some of the people Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words.
By R.L. Nave
Hinds County, 2007
When Danielle Robinson left for work in February 2004, Shundarell Johnson was hiding in the bushes next to Robinson’s home. Robinson headed back towards her house but before she got there, Johnson “attacked (Robinson) with a knife,” according to a police report. After a scuffle between the women, Robinson’s boyfriend, Shocoby Jones, came out of the house and took the knife away from Johnson. As Robinson tried to get away, Johnson stabbed her in the back again, with a second knife. Police reported that Robinson said Johnson was jealous over Robinson’s relationship with Jones. On Jan. 10, 2012, Johnson received a full pardon.
In her application for clemency, she writes: I was incarcerated in Rankin County for an aggravated assault charge. The incident happened in 2004. I was sentenced in 2007. Fifteen years -- 10 suspended, five to serve, and three probation. I did not serve the whole five years. I came home on an early release sentence. I have learned from my mistake and I am sorry for what I did. I am not a troublemaker or a violent person. I stay to myself. I am 33 years old with three children. It is very hard for me to support my family, and it is hard for me to find a job. I have been looking for a job and it seems impossible. Since I’ve been home, I’ve been enrolled in Virginia College as a medical assistant student and will be finished in September 2011 and will be receiving an associate’s degree in Feb. 2012. Upon finishing school, I will have to do an externship and I’m afraid with my aggravated assault charge, I will not be able to complete the program or find a job in my field. I have already completed my GED and was a certified nursing assistant before I went in. I have learned my lesson and I am trying to rebuild my life for my kids and myself. My future depends on this clemency being granted because I want to further my education in becoming a pediatric nurse and I am trying to join the Army Reserves. I was told you are the person I need to talk to. I pray that you take in consideration: my good behavior, positive attitude, that this was my first offense and that I am trying to be a productive citizen.
