Monday, March 28, 2016

JJ welcomes Mississippi Today

Jim Barksdale's new online newspaper went live today.  Check out Mississippi Today.  The organization hired several veteran reporters and editors.  The website states Mississippi Today is "incorporated in Mississippi as a nonprofit organization on Oct. 3, 2014, and was granted its exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on March 6, 2015."  Mississippi media and political junkies will recognize some names on the staff:


Fred Anklam, co-editor
Dennis Moore, co-editor
Kendra Ablaza, reporter
Gabriel Austin, reporter
The Patsy Brumfield, reporter
Larrison Campbell, reporter
Adam Ganucheau, reporter
P.E. Graves, reporter
R.L. Knave, reporter
Zach Smith, reporter
Melissa Hederman, chief development officer
Mandy Pope, chief operating officer

The website lists sponsors and donors:

Jim and Donna Barksdale
Andrew Lack
Dick Molpus
Pittman Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Scruggs
 John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

It looks like the Clarion-Ledger is going to have some competition.   JJ welcomes Mississippi Today to the ranks of the online media in Mississippi.  Mississippi needs more sunshine almost as much as it needs more money. 

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Funding by Democrats and convicted felons, hiring of race-pimps like R.L. Nave, who made his bones lying for Donna Ladd.

This will end well.

Anonymous said...

First Air America... now Air Mississippi

Anonymous said...

Non-partisan and objective. LOL Sure, whatever you say. Even Donner doesn't pretend to be either. LOL

Anonymous said...

Do I have to use Netscape Navigator to view it?

Anonymous said...

Mississippi's own Pro Publica. Barksdale's liberal agenda disguised as objective journalism.

Anonymous said...

The minute you crow that your going to "objective" you've already communicated that you will not.

Anonymous said...

This is greatly needed. We need an alternate voice to the extreme right-wing agenda of the Clarion-Ledger.

Anonymous said...

Makes sense now why Donna Ladd has been throwing rocks at the Clarion Ledger all weekend. She is running scared. Mississippi Today could be the nail in her Jackson Free Press weekly news rag coffin. The udders of her personal cash cow may soon run out of milk. No more quick trips to NYC in her future. She is going to have to work, not whine and cast stones. And pay a real staff to stay relevant and in the game.

Kingfish said...

She was at the Stamps press conference yesterday. Asked some good questions about police chases in general.

Anonymous said...

Kind of drab.

What's the over/under on how long it takes them to go full Salon/HuffPo to keep the clicks coming?

Anonymous said...

Has anyone noticed some of the ill advised actions of Jim "Carnaval Barker" Barksdale in the past couple years? One debacle was his foray into the restaurant business with Seafood Revelution. This could almost be called a scam. He got about 70 investors to donate funds and the place has hemorrhaged money ever since. Barkesdale is a big proponent of public education but he donated 10k to Joel Bomgar, who is one of the biggest anti public education people in the state. Seems like everyone knew this but Ole Jim. When he finally got wise he donated 10s of thousands of dollars in to help republican candidates that were being attacked by anti public school supporters that were being funded by Empower Mississippi which Joel Bomgar was a huge supporter. Joel has since voted in the legislature to legalize marijuana. Barkesdale is all over the place in his advancing age. Making decisions that are just moronic.

Anonymous said...

They have some supporters w deep pockets and probably even deeper agendas. I give them three or four years.

Anonymous said...

10:36 - "Making decisions that are just moronic."
Or, he's a man who has amassed an amount of money not seen by the sum total of people who read this article, and he can do what he wants with his money without fear that any of those decisions will really cost him anything.

Two investors alone on this list could fund the website infinitum without the first advertiser.

Applause to JJ for calling attention to it. Shows confidence in the quality of his own site and consideration given to alternate viewpoints.

Anonymous said...

@10:36 - Which vote was Joel voting to legalize marijuana? I read through his blog where he gives comments on every thing he votes on and I dod not see weed listed anywhere in the bills. There was one that changed some drug offense rules. Was that the one? Do you have the SB number?

Anonymous said...

seafood revolution??? its always packed when I go...

Anonymous said...

11:03 "Or, he's a man who has amassed an amount of money not seen by the sum total of people who read this article, and he can do what he wants with his money without fear that any of those decisions will really cost him anything."

GO TRUMP!!

Anonymous said...

We need an alternate voice to the extreme right-wing agenda of the Clarion-Ledger.

Love, LOVE the sarcasm.

Mississippi Today could be the nail in her Jackson Free Press weekly news rag coffin.

Nope. Not close.

Anonymous said...

Do you have the SB number?

SB number? [And] you want to be take seriously?

Kingfish said...

Seafood Revolution has had its share of problems. I love the place and its nice to see the Jackson area having such a quality restaurant. HOwever, it has had more than a few problems behind the scenes. For starters, it has had a turnover problem among the staff. You enjoy those three man crews that serve each table. However, the tips are split three ways among those teams. Its not rare for a waiter to walk out with $25 to $40 in tips for lunch for example. The training is lacking. Amerigo's trains staff for a week. They have to learn everything on the menu and taste everything (a day is spent on each section and even sauces) while at SR, such attention to detail is not the standard. What also happens next is pure communism in action. A lazy ass figures out the other two will pull their weight and she still gets a third of the tips. Then a second one will figure it out as well and now just one third of a team is doing the work while the other two get the majority of the tips. As stated earlier, the staff gets tired of it and runs off to other competitors. They recently changed it to two man teams but they screwed up the tip sharing arrangement so bad that the waiters and waitresses don't notice any real difference in what they make.

They recently fired the manager. YOu know those managers on The Profit and Kitchen Nightmares (UK) who blame everyone else, think they are geniuses, and are stubborn as hell while poorly performing? That was him. He finally got fired after he literally ran off the staff. Then they have a cook on the line who would be elated whenever weed becomes legal. When he is on the line, the services slows and the food quality suffers. Last time I went there, I had to wait nearly an hour for my food although that includes sending something back because it was pretty well charred. The other times I have been there, the food has been very good. Desserts are top notch.

I sincerely hope the place works out but I think there is too much stiff necked centeralized management from NOLA and not enough listening to the quality team members who are out in the field on the front lines.

Anonymous said...

March 28, 2016 at 10:36 AM, you CLEARLY have no idea what you're talking about. Barksdale is good for Mississippi. Yes, he can spend his money any way he wants and he could live any where he wants. Seafood R'evolution is fabulous, car dealership does well, as do most of his other diverse investments and "forays". Nothing moronic going on with "Ole Jim". You must have gotten your feelings hurt somewhere along the way to spew such nonsense.

Anonymous said...

I never said anything about being taken seriously. I simply asked for a reference for your claim. On Mr Bomgars website, he lists everything by SB number and how he voted. The most transparent politician I've even seen.

So do you want to be taken seriously but are avoiding providing a reference for the claims you made and are instead trying to attack me as a defensive move? lol

For example: Go to this link, and he lists how he voted on everything by SB number... https://joelbomgar.com/house-floor-votes-32116-32516/

Anonymous said...

As a goof, the money and education tabs should never have any postings, cuz Mississippi. Happy Monday!

Anonymous said...

@12:44 do you seriously think Bomgar is going to list the following. Voted to legalize marijuana. Voted against EFF money for teachers who instruct deaf and blind kids. Voted against fining convicted sexual predators which inturn would help fund the trooper school. He also was one of only 3 republicans that voted against incentives to attack the new tire plant. Afterwards GOP Rep. Mark Baker called Joel put on the House floor for his role in taking state money to help his company. Joel is a straight up libertarian. They don't believe in making dope illegal. Seems like your are typical of the masses. Ignorant, head in the sand voter. His votes have become legendary at the Capitol. He is the most disliked and untrustworthy RHINO in the whole legislature. But hey, he is a strong Christian right??? Don't feel bad, he conned a lot of people, including Barksdale, but Jim did figure it out and withdrew his support, though after he gave him money.

Anonymous said...

Seafood revolution hasn't made a dime since it opened. They are suing someone now for theft. They hired local managers to hire all the good talent in the area then promptly fired them when they had served their purpose. Their turn over rate is highest in the area. It's over priced, poorly managed, wait times long. It's a train wreck.

Anonymous said...

The key to Seafood Revolution is realizing that it's not a place to eat, it's a place to drink.

Kingfish said...

Last fall, Mattiace had to wait for over an hour to get food. Think about that.

Anonymous said...

As with everything competition is a good thing.

Anonymous said...

Dickie Scruggs now promoting Mississippi Today on social media. Yes. Objective.

More Beer Table Four! said...

So, now KingFoo is a restaurant expert. I agree the place is a train-wreck and that's based on both of my evenings there. Who cares what it costs, I can afford it. Not impressed by the staff leaning around pretending to be attentive.

An artsy-fartsy, pretentious eatery whose owners think they can transport us instantly to New Orleans or Hong Kong ain't gonna make it in Madison County. The menu at Sal and Phil's is much superior and you don't have to look at people in bow-ties or madras dinner jackets.

Anonymous said...

REALLY DICKIE SCRUGGS??

Anonymous said...

Barksdale a liberal? you guys know he is an elector for the Mississippi GOP to the electoral college?

Anonymous said...

Glad to see the recently graduate Madison by way of Milspaps Socialists are on the team.

Anonymous said...

I am NOT going to 'check-out' Mississippi Today. It's obvious to me that Barksdale, who prides himself on using other people's money, has bought himself (using very little of his own seed money) a TAX-EXEMPT TOOL FOR CONTROLLING PUBLIC OPINION.

If I go to his site, I positively affect his readership numbers.

But maybe I'd change my mind, if I read, here, that Mississippi Today is going to allow anonymous comments, as Kingfish does.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like disgruntled employee talk. Not everyone can make the cut. Consider your sources, KF.

Anonymous said...

Free Dickie!!

Anonymous said...

I sure hope this news organization can be independent and fair (i.e. we report, you decide) like Supertalk MS.

Burke said...

Thanks for the alert, KF. I doubt that I'm going to be reading about it in the C-L.

It's laughable that anyone would say negative things about Jim Barksdale, one of the finest human beings to ever grow up here AND come back to live as one of our finest citizens. I know that some comments are of the trolling variety, but others appear to come from cretinous wife-beaters. (Heh,heh, now I'm trolling.)

Let a thousand flowers bloom.

Anonymous said...

Amazing to see the anti-Barksdale comments. My knowledge of him is that he is donating hundreds of million of dollars for education, health, social and public policy improvements in our state. We need more like him.

Anonymous said...

Nice one, 3:19.

Anonymous said...

2:33, facts aren't a strong suit of those who comment on JJ. Also, I think their definition of liberal is anyone who thinks the government should do anything besides protect our guns and promote our religion.

Anonymous said...

Hey Barksdalians and Dicksterites. Your "user interface" is severely lacking the razzle dazzle that is needed to capture the attention of "ADD America."

On a side note, please be something other than a fusion of Bigger Pie and the C-L.

Anonymous said...

Barksdale can't be a "liberal" because he is, supposedly, a MSGOP elector? FALLACY.

Anonymous said...

@ 2:33, I'd love to see verification of that. If he actually is, he has a funny way of being a Republican (namely, donating wherever Bobby Moak told him). Lotta good that did him.

Anonymous said...

Let's see: Jim Barksdale, chairman of Mayo Clinic board, on Time Warner, FedEx boards, appointed by W to Foreign Intelligence Advisory board, ATT wanted to hire him as CEO, beat the shit out of Microsoft in antitrust case as lead witness, started link between NYC and Chicago with his personal investment (massive risk taking venture). Approached to help Zuckerberg run Facebook. Other than that, and the $150-m + he has GIVEN the state of Mississippi, I can think of nothing to recommend him. The readers on this site are the most ignorant, idiotic, head-up-your ass collection of folks imaginable. Your mothers must have had Zika because your brains are the size of bbs. But yall stay focused on Seafood Revolution (a great restaurant in my opinion) since stuffing yourself with fried catfish is about the top of your skill set. ROLL MISSISSIPPI!

Anonymous said...

@1:19. Why do you feel the need to call me names when I ask you to back up your statement, which you still can't do. I didn't vote for Joel cause i don't live in Madison county. You seem to know all about me and are totally comfortable making personal attacks against me to avoid providing any proof of your claim. I wish I was as perfect and omnipotent as you. How can anyone take your post seriously, my friend?

Anonymous said...

Jim Barksdale for Governor! A Cadillac for everyone!

Anonymous said...

11:46, I'm not focused on Seafood Revolution. I just want everyone to understand that the accomplished Mr. Barksdale has started a news agency that has no intention of being unbiased. In the model of Pro Publica, it's a spin machine for his liberal agenda. It's not an uncommon tactic on any spot on the political spectrum. Taking nothing away from his accomplishments just because someone gives money away doesn't make them unbiased, representative of my views, or worthy of my patronage.

Anonymous said...

11:46 PM nailed it. This blog attracts the lowest of the lows. The type of people who get upset when someone else makes a dime. The type of person who judges others by their possessions. The type of people who will never, ever be happy with their station in life as a result of living in the closet or being abused by an uncle. It would literally do the world much good if the lion's share of posters on this blog collectively shot themselves in the head.

Anonymous said...

March 29, 2016 at 3:38 PM = Loyal Daily JJ Reader!

Anonymous said...

"March 29, 2016 at 3:38 PM = Loyal Daily JJ Reader!"

Are you the same light-loafered idiot who constantly asks 'wut about Whole Foods?'

Carol Puckett said...

Mississippi would be a much better place if we had more citizens like Jim Barksdale. Mr. Barksdale could live anywhere in the world, but instead chose to move back to his native state where he has not only invested his money but his time, talents and energy. He has worked tirelessly and given of his abundant resources to advance public education and ensure that the children of this state can learn to read. If working to create better education and opportunities for all Mississippians is a "liberal" cause, I suppose in the minds of some who spew their hatred on this board, he is indeed a wild-eyed "liberal." I would bet that the Mississippi Governors he has served, Haley Barbour and Phil Bryant, as well as President George W. Bush whose Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board he served on, or John McCain whose presidential campaign he chaired in Mississippi probably think of him as a fellow Republican and would label him "principled" and "effective", not "liberal" or "conservative."

I look forward to checking out Mississippi Today. If Jim Barksdale has invested in it, I know he's researched it carefully and done it for the right reasons -- to move Mississippi forward and make it a better place for all of us. And I'm happy to sign my name. Carol Puckett

Anonymous said...

Interesting that people think it's an insult to compare Mississippi Today to ProPublica, which is a perennial contender for the biggest awards in journalism including the Pulitzer Prize. ProPublica also employs some of the best reporters in the country. If that's Barksdale's plan for Mississippi Today then I would say their future is bright.

Kingfish said...

Disgruntled employee?

Then why did Mr. B hire someone to investigate the management?

Anonymous said...

Well, KF, ex disgruntled employees probably talk to him too, and anyone else who will listen. Makes sense that he might get a neutral 3rd party involved.



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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


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In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


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If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

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