Jackson Free Press

This takes care of one of Melton's issues.

An adult bookstore in Jackson that has been targeted by police and Mayor Frank Melton was badly damaged by fire late Monday.

Flames consumed the AVC book store at Terry Road and Porter Street well after dark.

This is the same store that Melton pledged to close down on July 28 after he said he found two men engaging in inappropriate behavior there.

The owners had vowed to keep it open.

There is no word on the cause of the fire.

I can just see hundreds of dildos lying lifeless on the side of the street, smoldering, wondering where their life went wrong.....

Its sad, really.

Previous Comments

ID

103999

Comment

Uh... another unexplained fire in Jackson? Wonder if they'll blame "the homeless" for this one.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2005-12-27T11:29:32-06:00

ID

104000

Comment

I know I'm supposed to be crazy but can I just say: Boys, we're back in style and demand once again. Enjoy it while you still can!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T11:50:57-06:00

ID

104001

Comment

Or, more fittingly, the "horny homeless". Fire caused by large amounts of "friction". ;)

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-12-27T11:51:26-06:00

ID

104002

Comment

Everybody remember that we could never get the city to talk any more about the two men supposedly having sex in the store -- and they wouldn't confirm any arrests in the case. It seems like that was made up from the way they acted. Then the other sex shop owner recently said that Melton lied about people having sex in his shop -- that he had tapes of Melton's whole visit and there was no one in the store. This is a bit of an interesting mystery. Were people having sex in the stores, or not? And if so, why weren't they arrested? Weird.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-12-27T11:57:27-06:00

ID

104003

Comment

In the unlikely event Da Mayor was telling the truth, I'm glad he didn't arrest and embarass the 2 fellows.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T12:02:57-06:00

ID

104004

Comment

I don't know, Ray: I get pretty puritanical over the idea of two people openly having sex in a public business. But my bigger concern here is whether the mayor is just making stuff up to justify his political family-values crusade. There is some evidence that that may be true, although I am not stating that as fact. It is more of a big red question mark.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-12-27T12:09:03-06:00

ID

104005

Comment

ladd, I think the fact the place burned is a big, red question mark. ;) I mean, I'm not tossing ANY accusations around...but, don't you think the whole thing is just a little strange?

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-12-27T12:12:59-06:00

ID

104006

Comment

It's certainly an interesting coincidence. Coincidences happen. However, it's certainly an interesting coincidence.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-12-27T12:14:15-06:00

ID

104007

Comment

Donna, I'm not saying I believe him. I have my doubts too. Ali, does that friction comment goes to the issue of stress, anxiety, etc., or are you suggesting somebody rubbed two matches together? If I can quote my chart-topping rapper, singer and friend, Moby, "It wasn't me?"

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T12:19:48-06:00

ID

104008

Comment

I know what you mean, Ray.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-12-27T12:21:18-06:00

ID

104009

Comment

I don't think that was Moby, i thought it was shaggy. Speaking of doin'it in the store, canada our fine freeloaders to the north, is startinf to let businesses function as swinger houses. Straight out of the red light district apparently as long as it is consenting it is not detrimental to society no matter who is watching, engaging, standing in a circle etc. I am pretty sure the dongs would have melted ali, nice smell that would be, although i have not driven by there and don't plan to. Is protein matter flammable? if all this sex was going on i'm sure there was some on the floor. I can see the headlines now, " Upon investigation the JFD has concluded that the fire was an arson started with a highly accelerated accelerant that has previously never been seen in arson attacks before. Or dirty sticky floors mircaulously preserved.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-12-27T12:58:07-06:00

ID

104010

Comment

That was Shaggy, Superstar. So much for trying to be funny without getting my facts straight. I'm a bad man.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T13:05:17-06:00

ID

104011

Comment

I just find this troubling, no matter how the fire started. It seems that we only have one investigative reporter and paper - Adam and the JFP - working the city beat. So many things that have happened in the last several months would be untold if the JFP had not been there. Remember that one of Kim Wade's beefs with Melton was that Melton targeted his club for frequent raids as MBN Director because his (melton's) "kids" were (supposedly) smoking dope in the parking lot when other clubs down the street were (supposedly) cutting cocaine off the tables. Kim Wade no longer has a club...

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-12-27T13:52:57-06:00

ID

104012

Comment

Our Mayor knows what's good for us all. We should just let him have his way. I hope there aren't any ______ (I can't say the word) laying around on the streets. This would scare old folks and children, and probably compel some parents and grandparents to explain what they are, and are used for. No need to rush the "birds and bees" speech. When my daddy asked me at 12 if I knew about the birds and bees, I told him I had already noticed there were doves, eagles, humming birds, etc. I likewise told him I had seen honey bees and bumble bees but didn't care too much for either, but I did like honey. What's wrong with a clean society where the powers that be know what you're doing? If we got on the program with the mayor, he could brag to other coties around the world about how pure, clean, virtuous, chaste, perfect, innocent, and free from defilement we are. We don't want to be like New Orleans was, Rio De Janero is, Las Vegas is, Amsterdam is, Los Angelas is, and so on and so on, and dubby, dubby, do. Please excuse any mispellings. You know my limitations. It's the thought that counts.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T14:16:39-06:00

ID

104013

Comment

While I'm at it, our parents spent lots of time telling and demanding that we be good. Would they tell us anything wrong? How can the mayor be wrong for telling us the same things? Our parents tell little girls to keep your dress down and underclothes down. This is a good thing. They also tell all of us to stay away from drugs, drunks driving cars, child molesters, etc. All of this is good advice. We need no less good advise just because we grow old. Somebody said we're twice a child and once an adult. I think Frank is on to something and I'm with him 100%.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T14:26:54-06:00

ID

104014

Comment

I think the word is responsibility. If society had more, we'd have less problems. Melton isn't engendering any confidence, however.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2005-12-27T14:39:58-06:00

ID

104015

Comment

While I'm talking let me say too that if we really wanted to have sex in a shop (sex shop) we should legalize it like they have in Amsterdam and other places. Isn't the place to buy magazine, movies, and toys - not to have sex, too. Can't you not see images of sex with lapsing into it yourself in inappropritae places? Had we listend to our parents better there would be fewer children born out of wedlock and forced to scrap for themselves without both parent being present. I think the preceding advise was don't give it up unless you're married. We won't listen but we expect everything to be alright. We have another golden chance with Frank. If y'all were really smart you would come along on the smooth ride via a Rolls Royce. If Frank sees this I might get a job.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T14:51:52-06:00

ID

104016

Comment

Since no one has told me how wrong I am; to my great surprise, I must be right. Y'all don't know any of my old friends, do you? They have been telling people for years to ignore me about half the time.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T15:31:40-06:00

ID

104017

Comment

Ray-if Frank gives you a job after waxing poetic about sex toys and legalizing the sex trade...then, um, I'm getting employed as PR director. Can you imagine? "Mayor Melton decrees that no one can say BOOBIES....but me."

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-12-27T16:18:48-06:00

ID

104018

Comment

Could someone with knowledge, wisdom and understanding explain to the rest of us the importance, necessity and value of the sex shops to our society. I understand the freedom of choice thing and the government ought to tend to its business argument. I also accept the argument that no one is being injured argument. But I wonder if there is some large or impactful value of them to society. For argument sake, I understand why there is a need for bothels run, operated, and inhabited by females employees; but I don't really understand the need for sex shops. Maybe I'm just too young and dumb to understand.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T16:57:40-06:00

ID

104019

Comment

Repressing it doesn't make it go away, and throwing the doors to it will just bring hordes who can't handle the responsiblity. We need a middle ground, badly.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2005-12-27T17:19:11-06:00

ID

104020

Comment

some people just want to get off and apparently they don't use a computer or have a significant other. Or they do have a significant other and they are harboring illicit fantasies that their partner will not let them act on. Maybe they are in the closet and can't find any good gay porn, or a truck driver who just happens to be passing through and doesn't like the idea of getting a hooker. Those are more negative than they should be it could be someone like fred smoot just wanting a double header to share with his friends. and the like. I have always thought them dark and sketchy, however if i wanted porn or my partner wanted some toys to spice it up i wouldnt have a problem going in to one. I wouldnt want to walk in the booth section, see peewee herman, but get what you need and get out, not off that is for your home or someone else's.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-12-27T17:20:00-06:00

ID

104021

Comment

personally i don't think i could "make it work" for a blowup doll or the latex "bits n pieces" but i'm a guy. Some would be able to. I think girls would stand to benefit most however with an internet marketplace i don't see how some can stay open, get it online, noone has to see you leave. unless you lack the resources.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-12-27T17:22:51-06:00

ID

104022

Comment

I have so many different comments to make about this that my head just exploded, but I was not in the Terry Road Bookstore at the time so don't try blaming me for the fire. Has anyone checked the air for toxic levels of burning rubber (aka synthaflesh)? I think the city should get right on that. They could fill in some of the city potholes with the rubber.

Author

MANGUM

Date

2005-12-27T17:46:14-06:00

ID

104023

Comment

Thanks. I don't think I have ever heard of any one arrested for fighting or causing an unwanted commotion in a sex shop, strip club or brothel. Everybody seems to be happy while in those places. Now, I have heard of people being unhappy once they got the credit card bill or later realizing they have spent the car note while in one of those places. I have also heard of men having problems with spouses who consented to their going to a strip club. I know a fellow who got into trouble for not being home by 9pm. He forgot to notice his watch until after 9. Then he said she's already mad so I might as well stay until 10. Ten turned to 11, Eleven turned to 12, and Twelve to 1am. He was at a club called Rick's where Anna Niciole Smith used to work. After he caught hell for about a week everything was back to normal. He said those 5 extra hours were worth that week of hell.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2005-12-27T17:52:08-06:00

ID

104024

Comment

I think we need to refocus this thred on the original topic. We still have a burned down shop that just happened to be one of the Mayor's top targets regardless of posters positions about sex shops...

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-12-27T17:57:48-06:00

ID

104025

Comment

My question is how can the mayor get his undies in a bind about a sex shop when right down the street from his house is the "Love Tub Spa" at the rundown motel on the Frontage Road at Canton Mart. My guess is this Spa is not engaged in some new hydro-massage techniques....

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-12-27T18:05:23-06:00

ID

104026

Comment

Well, I'll go ahead and "lay out" on the table that i have been in SEVERAL "adult book stores" in my time (who here was suprised?) Some on the coast, the one that just burned down...and I think one in New York (I was barely legal and just trying out my ID). And, yes, (Gasp!) I've actually purchased things from them before. I've also been to "the booths in the back" because I'm nosey and want to see what happens back there. Most of what I saw included naked midgets (NOT kidding) and a few "glory holes". No one was actually getting naked and nasty in the back room. Can we post "glory holes"? As a side note to this story, has anyone noticed the huge new billboard for the sex shop in Byram that is on I55 right now? I thought it was GREAT.

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-12-27T18:07:27-06:00

ID

104027

Comment

pikersam-thanks for rounding up the topic. I'm not good about that. :) This does seem to solve some problems regarding his edict about "closing it down". What I want to know is..um, so when ya think the King E is going up?

Author

Lori G

Date

2005-12-27T18:09:48-06:00

ID

104028

Comment

It appears that many things are going down in Jackson... It's a shame they are buildings though... ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-12-27T18:33:45-06:00

ID

104029

Comment

Yeah the luv tub has got to be the most sketch in town how has that not been shut down. like avril said" So much for my happy ending". [snip]

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-12-28T09:27:03-06:00

ID

104030

Comment

I'd always guessed that's what happened to buildings that "got in the way" around Jackson. I know the old Odom's on N State went up in flames, and it was blamed on "Homeless". Worked out for the Mickey D's that was locating there... Ah, but if we only had proof.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2005-12-28T10:36:56-06:00

ID

104031

Comment

and iron horse burned down as well. Walkers was the only one that came back. Why have the homeless not burned down the edward, or the standard life building? The asbestos can't be good for the health.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2005-12-28T10:52:56-06:00

ID

104032

Comment

Regardless of who burns them down - the homeless, a spark of love ;-p, the owner, or the phantom fire starter - it is a sorry state that any of the parties involved would have to go that low to "get'r dun." What does that say about the quality of life in Jackson? If I'm not mistaken, the owner of the store resided in NO. So, this person has had the double whammy of Melton's self induced hurricane and Katrina/Rita. This person may be without a business, a house, and most importantly - an income! All because he engaged in the business of sex which in most part (except for the "parts") was allowed and regulated by our state gov't. But, not tolerated by the "new" administration. Where's the atty. who sues the city now?

Author

pikersam

Date

2005-12-28T17:00:28-06:00