By : Bob Garver Last week I wrote about “Mean Girls” and the problem of having seen a version of the movie before, which made it too familiar and predictable. I meant it in a very literal sense – there was a 2004 movie called “Mean Girls,” written by Tina Fey, with basically the same characters and story (though no musical numbers, those were a nice addition). Now I’m making the same complaint about “The Beekeeper,” but in a figurative sense. There is no other movie called “The Beekeeper” that resembles this movie or involves the same people, nor is this movie technically based on any other intellectual property. And yet you’ll know what I mean when I say that I’ve seen this movie so many times before. Jason Statham plays Adam Clay, a drifter given work by the kind Eloise (Phylicia Rashad). Online scammers take every penny of Eloise’s savings, including over $2 million earmarked for charity. Eloise’s FBI agent daughter Verona (Emmy Raver-Lampman) gets involved and has Clay arrested. He complies with the arrest, but this is the kind of character that only complies because he cares about Verona’s peace of mind and not because he is actually conceding power. He’s soon released, and while he has no hard feelings toward Verona, he does want to shut down the scammers permanently. They don’t know it, but they’ve made an enemy of the world’s deadliest assassin. Clay starts out burning down the call center where the scammers worked, but of course the path of destruction doesn’t stop there. He works his way up to the highest levels of the operation, inching ever-closer to… “mastermind” isn’t really the word here, but figurehead Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson). Danforth has the help of his powerful mother (Jemma Redgrave) and a former CIA director (Jeremy Irons), who’s smart enough to have a great deal of respect for Clay. Verona is assigned to bring down Clay for his unlawful actions, and she’s really good at figuring out where he’s going to go next. She’s not good at knowing what to do with this information once she figures it out, but no one else on the law enforcement side is doing any better. It seems the bad guys kicked a hornets’ nest and angered a guy that was once assigned to protect the hive that is the United States. Also he had an amateur beekeeping/honey collecting operation in the barn where he lived. The movie makes every bee joke and metaphor it can muster, because the beekeeping gimmick is the only thing separating this movie from hundreds like it where an apparent nobody or everyman turns out to be an unstoppable action hero. Ten years ago, Liam Neeson was the face of this genre, though it’s not like Hollywood hasn’t been mining this formula for decades. “The Beekeeper” doesn’t do too much to stand out from the swarm, but it’s enjoyable at times. Statham is his usual charming self, some of the action set pieces are pleasingly implausible, and the scummy bad guys are fun to punish. If you’re looking for nothing more than a movie where the most fun comes from speculating if the villain of the moment will get gunned down or blown up, this might be the movie for you. I’m looking for something where I can get a little more invested in the characters and story, which is why I can’t recommend it. I know this movie probably wants me to give it the next letter grade up, but I’m afraid it will have to settle for a… Grade: C “The Beekeeper” is rated R for strong violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexual references and drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Take a good look. It’s always there, part of a healthy, whole hand. Hold up your hand and you’ll see it. The one digit that is pointing the opposite of the other four fingers, every time. Oh yeah, you can force it to go along with all the others, but you do have to work at it. Usually, it just naturally sticks out to the side, like “a sore thumb.” It’s always just a little different and obstinately curving away from all the others - but it sure serves a great purpose. Try this. Tuck away the thumb on your hand, and try to do any small physical task with your remaining four fingers. Write, pick up anything, or stir with a spoon. Doable, but a lot more difficult, huh? Because the thumb has the responsibility of creating an opposing force to the fingers, it allows us to grab an object. Its very nature is to be in opposition, and it’s very good at what it does. Same thing seems to occur in human groups. Put more than two people together and you sooner or later you will spot “the thumb.” The one who just naturally seems to be different from everyone else in their ideas and beliefs. As if it’s their job to be the opposition in most situations, and believe me, they are totally up for it. But just like the real thumb on a hand, “the thumb” on a committee, or at a party, or in any kind of work or social group usually serves a purpose. And it’s not to sound good, or act pretty, or likable – that really isn’t their focus. In fact, they can come across as the very opposite of pretty. But still, the thumb of the group does have a practical function. Just like the thumb on your hand, an opposing force is created. And ideas that have been easily accepted by everyone else get challenged. Though that may get irritating, it can serve the group well. When ‘The Thumb’s new opposing ideas get tossed into the mix they may undoubtedly create animosity – but at the same time those new ideas start people to actually thinking. And that is never a bad thing. Because it causes those accepted ideas to be defended and developed better than the original. Just like the Creator had a great idea when the thumb was designed to be in opposition, The Thumb in your group is probably a good addition. Sure, I realize that the sore thumb always seems to stir up trouble and cause friction…but he or she may be exactly what your committee or workplace needs, to keep from becoming run-of-the-mill and stale. After all, it’s the spices you add to your soup that prevent it from being bland. And bland soup is rarely in demand. So learn to thank God for that sore thumb of your group. And learn to be patient.

An estimated 62,500 people in Mississippi over age 65 have Alzheimer’s with Jefferson and Claiborne Counties in southwest Mississippi ranked number one and three in the proportion of the 65-plus population affected, according to estimates released by the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition to a high prevalence of the disease, Mississippi has the highest Alzheimer's mortality rate, largely due to having the worst-quality health care system in the country. Alzheimer’s disease afflicts an estimated 6.7 million Americans, and that number is only growing.  Medical professionals believe the volume of diagnoses could double by 2060 if there isn’t a breakthrough in prevention—or a cure. State and detailed county-level estimates show vast disparities in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease based on racial and socioeconomic factors. Older Americans, women, Black and Hispanic Americans, and those with lower education levels are at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's dementia, according to data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, on which these estimates were based. The East and Southeast regions of the U.S. were estimated to have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's, particularly Maryland, New York, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. In Maryland, nearly 30% of residents are Black, and a slightly higher share of the population is 85 and older compared to national numbers—substantial risk factors that earn it the #1 spot. Some of the most afflicted counties are home to Black and Hispanic populations in the South, low-income populations in Appalachia, and older adults in Florida.  Other studies have found that people in rural areas tend to be underdiagnosed or diagnosed in later stages of dementia, delaying or preventing potential treatments. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is among the top 10 causes of death in the U.S.  These deaths are increasing as fatality rates from other health-related causes, including heart disease and stroke, are on the decline.  With Alzheimer’s, the brain shrinks, brain cells die, and peoples’ memory and language centers fail.  As the disease advances, the loss of brain function leads to dehydration, malnutrition, infection, and ultimately death. Developing a cure or effective treatment has been slow, as medical professionals still don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s. But earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration fully greenlit the first drug proven to effectively treat the disease: lecanemab (sold under the brand name Leqembi), created by Eisai Inc. and Biogen. Earlier treatments only addressed symptoms of Alzheimer’s, while lecanemab treats the early stages of the disease itself and slows its progression.  The drug costs $26,500 annually and is partially covered by Medicare if a patient’s medical team participates in a registry to track the drug’s outcomes. Nearly all Alzheimer’s patients are on government insurance, and estimates show that Medicare could spend $2 billion to $5 billion annually on lecanemab and related care. That pales in comparison to the $345 billion that Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost in 2023, including nursing home stays, symptom management medications, and other care for those with the disease. Without medical advancements, the Alzheimer’s Association expects those costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2050. While Jefferson and Claiborne Counties in southwest Mississippi showed an estimated 18.2 percent (200 patients) and 17 percent (300 patients) of their 65 and older populations with Alzheimer’s, Copiah and Lincoln Counties, which border them, showed much lower proportions of their 65-plus populations affected -- 13.6 percent (700 patients) and 12 percent (700 patients respectively).  Copiah ranked 30th among other state counties.  Other southwest Mississippi counties showed Alzheimer’s rates among their 65-plus populations ranging from 11.8 percent to 15.3 percent: Lawrence, 11.8 percent (400 patients). Franklin, 12.6 percent (200 patients). Simpson, 12.7 percent (600 patients). Walthall, 13.5 percent (400 patients). Pike, 13.6 percent (900 patients). Amite, 13.7 percent (400 patients). Adams, 14.7 percent (900 patients). Jefferson Davis, 15 percent (400 patients). Wilkinson, 15.3 percent (200 patients).

In two recent books, a Crystal Springs woman chronicles how people with debilitating illnesses and disabilities struggle successfully with the help of others to enjoy fulfilling lives. Ordinary Miracles by Dorothy (Dot) Ainsworth Day tells 61 stories of 26 Southern writers, including herself, who live with daily miracles to confront and overcome the challenges of their varied situations.  Battles, Glimpses of Truth published in November continues to tell the stories of others. Since 1995, Day, a teacher and family therapist as well as a writer, has had to adjust the way she lives many times with the progression of Inclusion Body Myositis -- a late on-set muscular dystrophy. Ordinary Miracles “pays homage to the helpers -- the miracle workers of the ordinary act making life a little better for each of us,” Day wrote.  “May their examples inspire us.” Day’s miracles have come through the help of a friend, Barbara Grillot Gaddy.  When her limitations made it impossible for her to type, Day partnered with Gaddy, a former business instructor and communications manager, who has assisted her in her writing and publishing tasks. Ordinary Miracles and its sequel can be purchased directly from Day via email at dotdaypathways@gmail.com or by phone at 601-320-9473, from Gaddy at bgrillot1949@gmail.com or (228)-369-0963; or through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple ebooks.  Signed copies are available at Clear Creek Flowers & Gifts in Crystal Springs, Alfred’s on the Square in Hazlehurst, Lorelei Book in Vicksburg and Lemurie Books in Jackson. A portion of the profit from Day’s books support Christian mission work in India through Agape Mission-India, led by Sam and Jery Varghese of Brookhaven.

By Kara Kimbrough One thing you can always count on when frigid temperatures envelope Mississippi – grocery store shelves are swept bare in mere hours and everyone begins sharing photos of whatever it is they’re cooking. In the case of most of my acquaintances last week, it was soup, stew, chili and without fail, a skillet of cornbread. For some reason, cornbread appears to be making a comeback and I’m not sure why. In my opinion, it never went out of style. It’s inexpensive, relatively easy to make and if made from scratch (not from a box or bag), it’s filling and delicious. Speaking of the box, I was sorely let down by Famous Dave’s Original Cornbread Mix. It's a new product (or at least to me) that I picked up recently while shopping. I had high hopes for the outcome, especially since the brand is known for innovative barbecue sauces, spices, rubs, pickles and more. However, one slice of the finished product told me Famous Dave is not from the South. The cornbread was edible, but entirely too sweet. Southerners know this important fact: cornbread is NOT meant to taste like cake. If we want cake, we make cake. When we crave cornbread, we produce a skillet of somewhat coarse bread that does not, under any circumstance, taste sweet. Finding a cornbread recipe I actually liked and that wasn’t dry has been a challenge. I’ve finally settled on a buttermilk-based recipe that, if I don’t let it bake too long, is moist and flavorful. Don’t get me wrong; quick mixes like Martha White cornbread in a bag and Jiffy Mix in the little blue box serve various purposes. It’s entirely respectable to use either one of these mixes when making dishes like cornbread salad or ones that require a cornbread topping. But they definitely won’t do when it’s time for cornbread dressing or it’s soup, chili or black-eyed pea time. All the photos of cornbread this past week spurred me to organize my recipes of southerners’ favorite bread in a special section of my go-to binder. Here are two of my cornbread-centric recipes that’ll help you make it through the next cold spell. Best Buttermilk Cornbread 2 large eggs 1-½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup shortening 1 tablespoon baking powder ¾ teaspoon salt 1-¾ cup corn meal (not self-rising) 1 cup flour, all purpose (not self-rising) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a cast iron skillet, add shortening and place in the oven to melt as the oven heats up. Mix all dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until incorporated. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the dry ingredients to the eggs and mix.  Add the milk and hot fat from the pan and mix gently until incorporated.  Add batter to the hot skillet and cook for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Chicken Enchilada Bake 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce ¼ cup water 1 envelope taco seasoning mix 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained ¼ cup cream cheese 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese blend, or more to taste 1 (7.5-ounce) package corn bread mix 1 egg ⅓ cup milk Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish. Mix tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning mix, and chili powder together in a saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown chicken tenderloins on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Pour tomato sauce mixture over the chicken, bring to a simmer, and cook over medium-low heat until chicken tenderloins are no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl and shred; return shredded chicken to the sauce. Mix in black beans and cream cheese until thoroughly combined. Pour chicken mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with shredded Mexican cheese. Whisk corn bread mix, egg, and milk in a bowl, and spoon the batter over the chicken mix. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling and the corn bread topping is browned and set, about 30 minutes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Guest Columnist Eddie Smith As we embark on a new year, gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike are gearing up for a fresh season of growth, color and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned green-thumb gardener or a novice with dreams of a flourishing garden, the new year is the perfect time to sow the seeds of your botanical aspirations. Before you plunge hands first into the soil, take a moment to reflect on your successes and challenges of the past growing season. Consider what worked well and what could be improved.  Use this reflection as a foundation for your gardening resolutions and plans for the new year. What do you hope to achieve with your garden this year? Whether it’s enhancing curb appeal, growing your own vegetables, creating a haven for pollinators or simply enjoying a more colorful landscape, clearly define your goals. Setting specific objectives will guide your plant choices and gardening activities. I always like to make the new year an opportunity to diversify my garden. If you feel like trying something new, explore new plant varieties, colors and textures to add interest and complexity to your outdoor space. Consider incorporating native plants that are well-suited to your region. This promotes biodiversity and supports the local ecosystems. Develop a planting calendar tailored to your local climate and growing zone.  Research the optimal times for planting different types of plants, considering frost dates, temperature fluctuations and seasonal changes. This strategic approach makes it possible for you to create a garden that remains in a constant state of bloom and productivity. Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving garden; be sure to conduct a soil test to assess its composition and nutrient levels. Based on the results, amend your soil with nutrients and organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Healthy soil provides the necessary nutrients and structure for plants to flourish. Consider making a commitment to incorporate some sustainable practices in your garden. You can reduce your environmental footprint by composting kitchen and garden waste, using organic fertilizers or minimizing the use of chemical pesticides. These steps can help you create a garden that not only flourishes aesthetically but also harmonizes with the natural ecosystem.  Gardening is a journey of continuous learning. Dedicate time to expand your horticultural knowledge through books, online resources and local gardening events. Stay informed about new gardening techniques, plant varieties and sustainable practices. This allows you to evolve as a knowledgeable and skilled gardener. Remember the Mississippi State University Extension Service has offices in every county and staff to assist you in becoming a successful gardener. Visit your local Extension office to see what resources are available to you. I truly believe that with thoughtful planning, sustainable practices and a spirit of continuous learning, you’ll cultivate a garden that not only thrives in the new year but also brings joy and fulfillment every season. Happy gardening! EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Eddie Smith is a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He is also host of the popular Southern Gardening television programs. Locate Southern Gardening products online at http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening.                                                                             .

By : Courtney Ingle Getting to the town of Wesson, Mississippi means driving on two-lane highways and country roads. Wesson is the epitome of a small town with active residents who have been rooted in the Copiah County town for their entire lives. They carry on much in the way their families did before them—they enjoy their little community and relish any opportunity to celebrate it. There are more historic landmarks in Wesson than there are stoplights. The old Mississippi Mills now serves as the Milltown Mall and Flea Market. Another marker highlights the location of the former Wesson Hotel, which was owned and operated by Mississippi Mills. Whether on a cloudy, rainy day or a day with clear blue skies, these historic markers just seem to glow, like a front porch light welcoming you home, where all the love, pride, and stories reside. But there’s one pillar of history in Wesson that is tucked away. Outside of the town, the Romanesque building isn’t well-known. People in the nearby cities of Hazlehurst and Brookhaven have hardly heard of it, much less seen it. The Old Wesson School is hidden away from the line of sight. A two-lane road takes you past an all-in-one gas station, eatery, and laundromat called Shop and Wash. A turn over the railroad tracks leads you down what appears to be another small-town residential street when suddenly, through the trees, a towering building appears, and the little street dead ends back to the late 1950s when the last graduating class took its picture on the steps. The Birth and Life of the Old Wesson School The Old Wesson Public School, known affectionately as Old Wesson School, was first built in 1889. It served as the first brick school building for children in the area. Initially, the school was set to house grades kindergarten through 8th grade. The first semester of the Old Wesson Public School started in September 1889. In December of 1890, the school was destroyed by fire. A book entitled “Wesson: The Industrial City of the South,” by Durr Walker and David Higgs, suggested that the students from the Old Wesson School may had been moved to the nearby Baptist church in Wesson or to the Clanton building, which was west of Town Hall, though there were no official papers to determine the exact relocation of the classes. No time was wasted in rebuilding the school. The first graduating class—all six students—  got their diplomas at the end of the 1892-1893 school year, though once again, there’s no formal evidence suggesting when exactly the graduation ceremony took place. The school held grades kindergarten through 8th grade until 1929 when the Agricultural High School on the Copiah-Lincoln Community College campus dropped the ninth grade. In 1929, ninth-grade students joined Wesson Public School, followed by tenth grade in 1930. Seventeen years later, 9-12th grade students were back at the Co-Lin campus during their four years at the Copiah Lincoln Agricultural High School. Old Wesson School held its final graduation in 1959. In 1960, Old Wesson School closed, following the opening of the Wesson Attendance Center on Grove Street, which to this day continues to be a school for kindergarten through 12th grade. In 1979, Old Wesson School was added to the National Historic Register. Three decades came and went since the school closed as the Old Wesson School building served several purposes. The basement, which was once the cafeteria, housed the local Boy Scouts. The Wesson Garden Club met at the school, as well as a nutritional program that provided free meals for senior citizens. Ruin, rumor, renovation, revival By 1994, the once glorious building was left empty. Over the years, a lack of funding and local interest had made parts of the school uninhabitable. Stairwells were rotted, and the roof leaked, which led to ceilings being damaged—it was more a hazard than a home for any real purpose. By 2001, the school was named one of the Top 10 Most Endangered sites in Mississippi by the Mississippi Heritage Trust. Renovations began at the Old Wesson School in 2002, to make way for St. Ambrose Leadership College to open an all-male school at the historic location; however, it never happened. The empty school became the center of many a rumor and gave a creepy vibe to the town. Students from the Wesson Attendance Center would climb atop the monkey bars and look down the way toward the school, towering above a treeline, next to a graveyard. “I used to get a very creepy vibe from looking at that school,” said Annalize Warren, a former Wesson Attendance Center student. “I could see that school and the graveyard. It was just unsettling to see, and everyone talked about the ghosts and stuff.” Old Wesson School provided a nearly cinematic sight to behold from “the new school on the hill” and left generations of elementary students speculating about the possible deaths, cults, and other general wickedness that must have taken place there (though certainly did not at least, there’s no such evidence). The kids weren’t the only ones with the big imaginations, though. Ghost hunts have taken place at the Old Wesson School, conducted by the Mississippi Paranormal Society. How the school stands now Though St. Ambrose began renovations, the school never came to be. However, it did spark a fire to rally funding. Renovations were completed, and during the 2010s, the Old Wesson School became a thriving community center once again. The historic school became an ideal place for class reunions, proms, meetings, and even weddings. There were several town Christmas events and haunted houses there as well. But, like many places, the COVID-19 pandemic screeched events at the school to a halt, and it has yet to be used again. Sonya Cowen is a retired school librarian. Her father was the principal at the Old Wesson School, and her mother taught elementary classes there. Cowen herself was a student at the school until 1959. “We were the last ones to graduate from there until they moved everyone up to the new school,” said Cowen. Any child of a principal or teacher could feel like their lives centered around the school, and over the years Cowen has chosen numerous times to continue to advocate for the school, even at her own expense. “I’ve given money to fix things here and there, like some of the wood flooring,” said Cowen. She’s also led tours there to bring awareness to the conditions of the school and attended nearly every board meeting, with several classmates and concerned citizens, to stay informed and continue to rally for improvements at the school. Cowen isn’t the only former student of the school that hopes to see it back in use again. “There was a lot happening there for a while,” said Janice Stricklin, who was part of the first class to move from Wesson Public School to Wesson Attendance Center. “It hurts to see it empty now. My classmates and I still feel a connection to the Old Wesson School as our elementary school, since we were only at the attendance center for a year before starting high school.” Stricklin said that while the inside of the school is not in use, she and about 25 of her former classmates met at the school to take a picture out front. “It’s just a very special place,” said Stricklin. “It had a lot going for it, and it does bother me to see it empty again.” Cowen said while COVID was the main reason for events stopping at the school, there were a few logistical things that were already causing the activity to wane. “There’s not a real kitchen in the school,” said Cowen. “So, caterers weren’t fond of events there. It was so difficult to bring everything in and set it up.” Along with no kitchen, there are also continuing HVAC issues. Some of the outdoor woodwork, which gives the school its historical Romanesque allure, needs repair. “The way that woodwork was done on the school, it isn’t really done anymore,” said Cowen. “We’ve had local people even try to find the equipment to do it, but it can’t be found.” Being on the National Register of Historic Places means that they have to stick as close to the original design as possible with renovations. However, that can be a costly ask. “To keep it like the original, we’d have to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars for the right equipment to (restore the original detail of woodwork). Even then, that level of work just isn’t as appreciated anymore, so the cost would outweigh the benefit of fixing it to the original look,” said Cowen. Cowen said that there is some grant money available for the school so the town could begin renovations soon, but given the historically tumultuous journey of The Old Wesson School, Cowen was reluctant to say how much money was allocated or what the timetable for those renovations would be. “I just hope to see it back in use again,” said Cowen. “I have so many fond memories there, and I really do love it.” For more information about the Old Wesson School, visit the Town of Wesson website.

Georgia Pacific in Monticello has renewed its long-time partnership with Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s underwater robotics engineering team, the Seawolves, with a $5,000 donation to the program. “We appreciate Georgia Pacific for its long-time commitment to our award-winning team,” said Carey Williamson, the Seawolves mentor. “The Seawolves program, in its twelfth year, helps prepare students for their future career by giving them a real-world challenge that pushes their education and abilities to their limits. Many Co-Lin graduates have found successful careers based on skills obtained through the Seawolves program.” The Seawolves is the state's only community college competitive robotics team.  It was created to integrate students from Co-Lin’s academic and career-technical schools. Each year, the team competes in an international underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) competition which has allowed the team to travel across the country and to Canada, where it placed fourth in the world.

By Bob Garver Of all the pop culture institutions to be cancelled, ended, or otherwise shut down by the pandemic in 2020, the permanent closure of the “Mean Girls” Broadway musical was perhaps the one that disappointed me the most. I’m not sure why it wasn’t brought back post-pandemic – ticket sales had clearly been healthy enough to keep me from scoring cheap seats during its two-year run – all I knew was that the show was gone and I had missed all 833 chances to see it live. But then a ray of hope appeared when it was announced that the musical, which itself was based on the 2004 movie, which itself was based on a book, was going to become a movie. I immediately got my hopes up, this movie would be the payoff to six long years of waiting. With my expectations that high, is it any wonder I found the movie disappointing? The story follows shy teenager Cady (Angourie Rice) as she navigates her first high school in the United States after moving from Kenya with her mother (Jenna Fischer). She’s a great academic, impressing her math teacher Ms. Norbury (Tina Fey, who played the role in the original film and is the writer of all three versions of the property), but lacking in social graces. Outcasts Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey) invite her to be their lunchroom companion, but she can’t help but be drawn to the ultra-popular Plastics clique, led by the domineering Regina George (Renee Rapp). Regina and the Plastics are surprisingly receptive to Cady and invite her to join the group. She isn’t really comfortable around the chic Regina and her friends, busybody Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and vacuous Karen (Avantika), but Janis convinces her that it will be so fun to infiltrate the group and report back on how catty and ridiculous they are. This of course makes Cady and Janis just as catty and ridiculous as the Plastics, but they don’t pick up on it until it’s too late. Meanwhile, Cady develops a crush on Regina’s ex Aaron (Christopher Briney), and when she learns that Plastics rules forbid dating him, she schemes to work around the system, manipulate Aaron into liking her, and usurp Regina’s popularity. In other words, she takes to being a “mean girl” more easily than she thought possible. The musical numbers are certainly fun, if not particularly memorable. It’s hard not to get swept up in just how endearingly dramatic these kids are, which the singing and dancing compliment perfectly. I have no problem believing that this movie will create just as many breakout stars as the 2004 film. But seeing them on a cramped set isn’t the same as seeing them on a nice open stage. There are sequences in houses and classrooms that are undeniably impressive and no doubt a lot of hard work went into them, but that’s the problem, it’s hard not to think about how much work went into them. Somehow it’s perfectly believable that these characters would break into song and dance, but I have a hard time believing that they would choose to do this much limb-flailing choreography in such a tight space. I think the bigger problem with this version of “Mean Girls” is that it may be too soon to remake a movie from 2004, even with the change-up of musical numbers. The original is so fresh in the audience’s mind that they know the progression of the story and in some places can quote the dialogue word-for-word, which includes stepping on some integral punchlines. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows (as the school’s principal) reprise their roles without singing, and it’s less a welcome nostalgia act and more of an unflattering copy. Still, I’d like to see the movie become a hit, partly because I want to reward its infectious energy and partly because I’d like to see it lead to a revival of the Broadway show so I can finally see the musical the way it was intended. Grade: C “Mean Girls” is rated PG-13 for sexual material, strong language, and teen drinking. Its running time is 112 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Most Valuable Player. Depends upon the perspective and opinion of the person watching the game. Does he believe that it should be the player who scored the most points? Or is he of the opinion that the MVP can be a player who kept successfully setting up the offense for the one who did all the scoring? Or maybe, it might be the clever and creative coach behind the scenes who taught those players how to be winners? An MVP winner is a varied and ever-moving target – largely depending on the one who is speaking. But what about the MIP – which one should be called the Most Irrelevant Player of the game? You can certainly gather a range of passionate answers to that one. Usually based on expectations that were left laying in the mud on the field. When a person has a firm opinion of how a position should be played and the player…ummmm, doesn’t, that alone can bring on a verbal attack of “MIP of the Game.” Even though the player may have played his position exactly as his coach asked of him for that particular game day. So, to me, these two categories of award winners, MVP and MIP, are pretty nebulous, as they are based upon the beliefs, expectations, and whims of the voter. And yet, those titles bestowed upon an estactic MVP winner or a dejected MIP have enormous power. Power to bolster someone’s self-esteem and public popularity. To say nothing of monetizing.  Or conversely, power to harm the player’s belief in himself and also leave him wide open to public resentment and ridicule. All founded upon the varying opinions of the spectators. And their wildly varying degrees of education, training and experience.  My personal opinion? MVPs and MIPs awards are influenced by way too many variables to even be considered as viable to an objective and intelligent person. Considering the inherent negative power they hold, they should be considered as ‘dangerous weapons only to be used sparingly.’ Yes, I am aware, by now many of you are yelling “If a kid is the winner, then acknowledge him as the winner! Quit being someone who encourages kids to be “Snowflakes!” I agree, we don’t need snowflakes who can’t stand up to the heat of being a loser, who have to be protected from the pain of not winning. Not what I’m talking about. I am simply saying that MVP and MIP are extremely subjective. It all depends upon the speaker – the one who has the most powerful lungs and the largest audience. The players those particular loudmouths nominate can easily become the winners of MVP or MIP. If you have a group who listens avidly to your opinion, be careful. You carry a very big stick and even bigger sway. Sway for which the passing of time will hold you accountable. Use your opinions and your influence wisely. And I’m not simply referring to sports, but you knew that.

The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), has awarded a $795 Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI) grant to Co-Lin for the 35th annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (NLCC). "This grant will allow the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration to share the story of Duncan Morgan, the master brick mason who is responsible for the preservation of the brickwork seen all over Natchez,” said Betty Jo Harris, NLCC Coordinator. “A short film, which will be created by Mark LaFrancis, will preserve Morgan's story and educate future generations about his lifelong passion of maintaining the historical significance of this beautiful town." The LMDI grants fund a variety of projects from building studies and museum exhibits to music heritage and cultural programming. This year’s grants will also support projects including the creation of an exhibit highlighting the role of women on the Ozark Frontier between 1800 and World War II and restoration of the Beulah Cemetery, a final resting place for members of the Vicksburg, Mississippi, African American community. Established in 1994, the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative has provided more than $3 million in grants to organizations exempt from federal income tax, such as non-profit organizations, tribal groups, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and state and local governments.  Administered by the NPS in partnership with JNPA, LMDI funds may be appropriated by Congress to support the Delta’s cultural entities in their work toward research, interpretation and preservation goals for the region’s cultural resources. Learn more about the LMDI grant program, including geographic parameters and how to apply for future grants on the program website: https://www.nps.gov/locations/lowermsdeltaregion/what-we-do.htm The 35th annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration will be held February 22-24, 2024, framed by “Rites, Rituals, and Religion in the Deep South” as its theme.  See the agenda at www.colin.edu/nlcc.

By Kara Kimbrough Just when I think there's no way on earth anyone can create a new recipe, the internet surprises me. I own and regularly peruse many cookbooks, but similarly spend time checking out "trending" recipes online and on social media sites. Unbelievably, new and in some cases, recycled recipes pop up almost every day, including what seems like hundreds of ways to make salads, a favorite of Gen X cooks and fledgling chefs. Speaking of salads, ideas that I've actually used include grating raw Brussels sprouts and kale to combine with tastier greens like iceberg and Romaine lettuce and using a mandolin to chop lettuce into small pieces reminiscent of restaurant salads. A simple yet "recycled" way to make a loaded salad includes laying a bowl with greens, protein, vegetables, dried cranberries, chopped fruit and favorite crunchy toppings like croutons and won ton strips, then shaking everything together in a sealed bowl after applying dressing. Here are three of the best of many "recycled" recipes I've tried in the past week. After trying them, you'll probably agree that, "Everything old is new again." 2024's Take on Egg Sandwich (Perfect breakfast sandwich "to go" or quick meal) 1 tablespoon butter 2 eggs beaten 2 slices bread 1/4 cup shredded cheese 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled or chopped ham Cook and crumble bacon and set aside. Place butter into a small non-stick frying pan and heat over medium heat until melted. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl and pour over butter. Cook eggs until almost done.  Place 2 bread slices on top of the eggs and press into eggs, coating both sides. After cooking another minute or two, carefully flip the combined bread and eggs over. Fold the overlapping egg onto the bread slices. Top eggs with shredded cheese and cooked bacon. Cook for a minute or two, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is toasted on top and bottom. Serve immediately while hot. 30-Minute One-Pot Cajun Pasta 1-pound smoked sausage 1/2 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ teaspoon each: cayenne pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, thyme leaves, ground black pepper 2 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 1 cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of it reserved in separate measuring cup 2 cups penne pasta Slice sausage and place in large skillet or saucepan with a little vegetable oil; brown in oil over medium heat under done, then remove sausage from pan and set aside. In pan drippings, add chopped onions and garlic; cook over low heat until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth, cream, ¾ cup of cheese and all seasonings; stir well and then add dry pasta. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes or until pasta is done. Then add cooked sausage and top with remaining ¼ cup cheese. Stir and serve. Famous Fast-Food Burger Salad Salad: ½ head (or more) of iceberg lettuce, sliced then and diced into small pieces or strips Burger Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon tomato paste Heaping tablespoon honey Dijon mustard 3 finely diced pickles (or substitute 1-2 tablespoons of relish 1-2 tablespoons pickle juice (or relish juice) Burger: 1-pound lean ground beef 2 teaspoons vegetable or olive oil 1/2 finely diced onion 2 chopped garlic cloves Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese Slice and dice iceberg lettuce and place it in a large bowl; refrigerate. Mix all of the ingredients for the sauce and place in refrigerator. (double recipe if you want to serve extra sauce on the side). In a pan on medium high heat, heat the oil. Add ground meat and brown until pink color is gone and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper and add onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent. Add the cheese and turn heat off.  Once the cheese melts, make the salad by topping lettuce with meat mixture, then the burger sauce. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.