Single and 30Four years ago, while casually walking in the mall, a familiar voice yelled my name. I turned and saw a high-school friend. We said our hellos and, in a surprised tone, he said: "You're not married? I figured someone would've …
To Die or Not To Die (for Love)I have a problem with Bruno Mars. More specifically, I have a problem with the music producers and executives who heard his lyrics and instantly thought, "hit record," and with the listening public for so eagerly agreeing with them. The …
War On The PoorIt was 7:30 in the morning, and the smallest beneficiaries of the Richard Brandon Head Start Center at 5920 N. State St. followed their young parents into the mass of little portable units. One hobbit-sized girl lifted her legs awkwardly …
2011When the Jackson Free Press published our first issue nine years ago this fall, the issue included a Best of Jackson ballot. We were shocked that the city didn't have a readers' choice contest for locals to nominate and vote …
2011: CommunityJackson's first African American mayor has been through it. Since he was first elected to the seat in 1997, he has weathered belittlement, racism, jealousy, direct attacks, vicious media coverage, being labeled "Election Man," being compared to a slow turtle--all …
2011: Urban Living<b>Best Annual Event, Best Outdoor Event: Mal's St. Paddy's Parade</b> Downtown Jackson, 601-948-0888 If you want to be part of a party—a colorful crowd that carpets downtown Jackson's streets with revelers on the sidewalks and in the streets, walking or …
2011: Food & Drink<b>Best New Restaurant, Most Innovative Menu, Best New Bar, Best Cocktails: Parlor Market</b> 115 W. Capitol St., 601-373-9841 Craig Noone and his crew hit Jackson like a madhouse toque-wearing, knife-wielding, sauce-reducing wrecking crew. They have shaken up the restaurant scene …
2011: Nightlife<b>Best Live Music: Hal & Mal's</b> 200 S. Commerce St., 601-948-0888 Whether you are getting off work and just need to unwind, or you're going out with some friends, Hal & Mal's is a great place to have a drink …
2011: Out Of Town<b>Best Day Trip: NOLA (New Orleans)</b> New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras and Second Line parades, a million music festivals and bars out the wazoo. Hear great music at One Eyed Jacks, Tipitinas or Howlin' Wolf; admire street performances …
Reading the Tea Leaves: The Tea Party in MississippiTea Party member Donald Wiggans was different. A small, wiry man, he stood quietly during an August 2009 town-hall meeting on health-care reform featuring U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson.
Chris and Shalon WansleyChris and Shalon Wansley love exchanging gifts. "We pride ourselves on being gift givers," Chris says. On the anniversary of their first date, Chris, 32, took Shalon, 28, to dinner and gifted her with an iPod. Later on that evening, …
King FreakOn a Sunday evening in fall 2009, Patrick Grogan painted his face and arms black and walked into a service at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans. Earlier that day, he had noticed that …
JFP 2011 College Basketball PreviewThere's plenty of reason for confidence as conference play begins in college basketball, especially for fans of Mississippi State, Jackson State and Southern Miss. But there are also lots of questions.
GOOD Winter 2011Technology is a powerful force that is ever changing and evolving. The way we interact with technology can determine the future for our community and society as a whole. If we become consumed with the latest gadgets and have a …
The JFP Interview with Carolyn MeyersCarolyn Meyers was born a tinkerer. The worst spanking she can remember was the consequence of her taking apart a clock radio her mother had just bought.