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Smart? Not Really

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.

Thomas G. Harris

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.

Welcoming New Businesses to Town

Royal Bleu FashionsOne University Place has opened its doors to a new boutique in the heart of Jackson.

It's a Family Thing

Football has always been a way for my father and me to bond. When I played in high school, my father would help me keep in shape and work with me to get better.

Savory Morsels

For me, few things cause a dietary downfall as quickly as the presence of hors d'oeurves and appetizers. There's just something appealing about small morsels. I have been known to make a meal of dips, starters and tiny treats.

[Girl About Town] Of Sushi and Marathons

I don't think of myself as a particularly athletic individual, but a few years ago, I started running—as in a fitness activity, not because someone was chasing me. It even got to the point where I ran the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon in 2008.

[Kamikaze] ‘I'm No Token'

I attended the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership annual luncheon last week. It's one of those affairs where the city's power players share a meal and listen to a speaker talk about how to move our city forward.

[Queen] Walking In Dignity

When my father named me, he spoke my destiny into existence. The name is taken from the Nigerian Yoruba tribe. Funmi means to help people, and Folayan means to walk in dignity. Some may disagree, but this is the meaning my daddy intended: to help people walk with dignity.

Community Events and Public Meetings

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.

Heather McTeer

Eight years ago, fresh from a victory that made her Greenville's first African American mayor, first woman mayor, and the city's youngest mayor, Heather McTeer found out the city's chief executive didn't have her own computer.

Arena Study to Include Thalia Mara

City leaders fear that one day the USA International Ballet Competition could leave Jackson due to Thalia Mara Hall needing repairs that cost about $9 million. Only four cities in the world hold the elite dance event, and Jackson is the only one in the United States.

Celebrating the Best

Welcome to our tenth annual "Best of Jackson" edition, celebrating the best that Jackson and its surrounding communities have to offer in terms of people, places, services and products. (And, yes, lots of food and drink.)

[Publisher's Note] Celebrating the Best

Welcome to our tenth annual "Best of Jackson" edition, celebrating the best that Jackson and its surrounding communities have to offer in terms of people, places, services and products. (And, yes, lots of food and drink.)

Best Of Jackson 2012: Community

As a child, I loved exploring the Mississippi Museum of Art at its former location on visits to Jackson with my mom. As an adult, I am continually impressed with the extensive permanent collection and world-class visiting exhibitions the museum brings to our state. The new facility, completed in 2007, provides a beautiful home for the collection while offering plenty of space for community meetings and events. The addition of the Art Garden provides a public space that Director Betsy Bradley likens to the "front porch of downtown." With a range of regular educational and community programming, the museum continues to be a home for cultivating creative innovation.

Best Of Jackson 2012: Urban Living

<b>Best Annual Event, Best Outdoor Event: Mal's St. Paddy's Parade

Downtown Jackson, 601-948-0888, http://www.halandmals.com/Parade.html

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Best Of Jackson 2012: Food & Drink

<b>Best Chef: Craig Noone</b>

Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601-360-0090, http://www.parlormarket.com)

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Best Of Jackson 2012: Music & Nightlife

<b>Best Bar, Best Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name, Best Open-Mic Night: Fenian's Pub

901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, http://www.fenianspub.com

Best Of Jackson 2012: Beyond Jackson

Best Casino Hotel, Best Casino for Shows: Beau Rivage

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 888-567-6667, 228-386-7111, http://www.beaurivage.com

Pizza, Beer and Improvisation

The northeast Jackson Pizza Shack at Colonial Mart hosts Jackson band The Ruminants each Tuesday during January for a residency that brings together food, beer and improvisational music. I caught up with saxophonist daniel johnson (who prefers to spell his name in lowercase letters) to talk about the gigs.

Jewish Film Fest: Best of the Best

Michael Steiner screened about three dozen films for the upcoming Jewish Cinema Mississippi 2012 film festival. As co-chairman of the January event, he and the other screening committee members narrowed that batch of 30-something movies down to four that they consider to be the best in recent Jewish and Israeli-themed cinema.