By Bob Garver “The Housemaid” has unofficially sold itself based on how crazy it gets in its second half. This is slightly less annoying than when movies sell themselves based on their twist endings – at least here, the twist gets a chance to breathe, and maybe there will be other twists after the initial shock – but it still creates the problem of forcing the audience to wait for something crazy to happen. As “The Housemaid” went along in a direction that made sense, the movie felt long to me because I knew that the other shoe (or in this case, plate shhh ) hadn’t dropped yet, and the movie would have to spend time going in a different direction once it did. Of course, the twist then gave me a new set of issues with the film, but that’s for later. What I can tell you is that the movie opens with Millie (Sydney Sweeney) applying for a job as – what else? – a housemaid for socialite Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried). The job seems too good to be true, as Nina comes off as very nice, and apparently so are her finance whiz husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) and daughter Cece (Indiana Elle). More importantly, the live-in position provides much-needed steady employment and a fixed address for Millie, which she desperately needs as a condition of her parole (the parole itself is not a twist, but the circumstances behind it “might” be). To Millie’s delight, Nina apparently doesn’t do her due diligence with a background check, and she’s hired for the job. It doesn't take long for things to go south for Millie. Nina is much more demanding and belligerent than she seemed in the interview, and she threatens to fire Millie and ruin her life over tiny, if not completely made-up infractions. Cece is a cold, standoffish, unhappy child, lecturing Millie on which parts of life are a “privilege,” a trait she shares with Andrew’s even-more-miserable mother (Elizabeth Perkins). The family’s handyman Enzo (Michele Morrone) is a creep in an ominous kind of way. And Andrew can be a creep in an “unhappily married man with eyes for the young housemaid” kind of way, though at least he’s nice to Millie. After a first half filled with soap opera drama and wealth porn (and some softcore regular porn), the movie delivers on the crazy as promised. At least one of the six characters I’ve listed turns out to be an absolute psycho, and the movie basically turns from mystery into horror. It’s really to a ridiculous degree, as in, “How can this person pass for a normal member of society when they’re this deranged?” But it makes for a memorable villainous turn, that’s for sure. “The Housemaid” is based on a book by Freida McFadden, and the movie is filled with moments that I can tell worked better on paper, if they ever worked at all. Characters’ motivations are murky, even with - and sometimes especially with – hindsight. Maybe the book explained them better. The flashback-heavy timeline can make the movie seem tedious just when momentum is building. The tonal whiplash makes the movie hard to take seriously. And it does try to take itself seriously toward the end when at least one of the top-billed actresses tries to inspire legitimate feelings of female empowerment, which I saw as pandering and unearned. The movie is good at cat-and-mouse tension at points, with mind games played well even before it officially becomes a thriller, but it’s not enough to save it. I have no idea if the novel version of “The Housemaid” qualifies as “trash,” but the movie version definitely plays like an adaptation of a trashy novel. Grade: C- “The Housemaid” is rated R for strong/bloody violent content, sexual assault, sexual content, nudity, and language. Its running time is 131 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

By: Kara Kimbrough My carry-on suitcase was filled with delicacies from Barber Orchards and Bakery in Waynesville, NC. Back home, I created the perfect brunch that included, clockwise from bottom left: apple cider doughnuts, apple tarts, Barber’s strawberry preserves (and my homemade biscuits), apples I picked myself from a Waynesville apple orchard and hot apple cider.  (Photo courtesy of Kara Kimbrough)      I can’t enter 2026 without sharing the best food and travel finds that made 2025 one to remember. Besides discovering some true gems on supermarket shelves that I’ll use in ’26, The past year also filled with delicious restaurant meals and amazing travel adventures. Here are a few of my favorites from ’25; 1 .    Pleasures await in Pensacola – I’m ashamed to say that I had allowed several years to elapse between my last visit to this island paradise and my visit in early summer. Pensacola is amazingly easy to get to, thanks to an enviable location just off Interstates 10 and 110. Within minutes of exiting the interstate, visitors find themselves in downtown Pensacola and the beach. And here’s a fun fact; visitors staying directly on Pensacola Beach are actually on Santa Rosa Island. So, yes, those who like to brag that they enjoyed an “island getaway” get their wish when visiting Pensacola, a nearly 40-mile stretch of breathtaking beaches that includes Perdido Key Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore.      And here’s the primary element that sets Pensacola apart from most beach destinations – there are so many interesting things to do and places to explore besides lounging on the beach, shopping and eating fried shrimp, the highlights of most of my past beach trips. Just a few highlights included visiting the museum at the Naval Air Station, home of the world-famous Blue Angels; soaking in the private, peaceful beauty of the national seashore and experiencing world-class museums and historic sights in downtown Pensacola. Add amazing cuisine at a few of literally hundreds of area restaurants and it was a trip I’m longing to repeat. 2.    Rao’s Soups – I’ve long been a fan of Rao’s Pasta Sauces, particularly Bolognese flavor, which I can usually only find at Ridgeland’s Fresh Market. Learning the New York City-based restaurant’s sauces have expanded to include delicious soups in flavors like Italian Wedding, Pasta Fagioli, Vegetable Minestrone and more was a favorite find of ’25.  3.    Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill – Bay St. Louis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is filled with wonderful restaurants. As a frequent visitor, I thought I’d experienced most, if not all, of them. When a friend shared a photo of Cuz’s towering smashburger, I had to visit this place that had slipped under my radar. Conveniently located on Beach Blvd. just steps from the beach, Cuz’s is a spacious, yet cozy place frequented by locals as well as tourists. On my first visit, I ordered the candied bacon smashburger, along with a side of seafood swamp fries. The massive burger was “smashed,” yet still juicy, with just the right amount of crispiness along the edges. Topped with slices of smoky, candied bacon and all the trimmings and accompanied by a platter of crispy fries topped with Creole sauce, chopped shrimp and spicy crawfish, it was a burger meal to remember.  4.    Hormel Black Label Oven Ready Thick Cut Bacon with Oven Safe Tray – I love bacon as much as the next person, but absolutely detest having to fish the somewhat-slimy raw pieces out of the plastic package and place them on a baking tray or frying pan. This genius innovation removes the “ick factor” by placing pre-cut slices of flavorful bacon in an oven-safe tray. Peel back the cover, place in the oven and just like that, perfectly-prepared bacon is yours to enjoy without having to actually touch it – until it’s lightly-browned, crispy and ready to eat, of course!  5.    Prime Roots – If you’ve sworn off meat products for dietary or health reasons, there’s new hope for your favorite sandwiches. Prime Roots products are made from a clean, whole-food protein blend and yeast, designed to mimic meat textures and umami flavors. Key ingredients combine to create plant-based deli slices, bacon, and salami that are gluten-free, soy-free and nitrate-free. For once, I enjoyed a triple-decker club sandwich, guilt-free! Check them out at: webstaurantstore.com/vendor/prime-roots .  6.    Tamarind Heads Barbecue Sauce – I never thought I’d trade in my favorite sauce for another, but that’s what happened after sampling this tangy sauce. Instead of the traditional tomato and vinegar base combined with a list of other unpronounceable ingredients, Tamarind Heads narrows it down to just six; sesame, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, spices and a unique tamarind base. All combine to create a sauce that takes grilled meat to a new level. To order or find a list of retail locations, check out the website: tamarindheads.com . 7.    Wyda Food-Grade Tear-Resistant Wrap with Built-In Cutter – Who among us hasn’t grappled with a pesky roll of aluminum foil that refused to tear, roll or cooperate when needed? Those problems are a thing of the past with this sturdy foil that comes with a built-in cutter, insuring foil tears when and where we need it. I loved the foil so much that I used the brand’s sturdy roasting pans for holiday cooking. The products can be purchased from Walmart.com or WydaPack.com .  8.    Haywood County, North Carolina –Getting to visit and explore this mountain paradise in western North Carolina was truly the highlight of my year. Surrounded by other-worldly, multi-colored layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and the ethereal Smoky Mountains on the other, the scenery from overlooks spread throughout the quaint cities of Maggie Valley, Waynesville and other small mountain towns was simply breathtaking. Unlike some popular mountain destinations, Haywood County has been thoughtful about its growth; as a result, the area is not filled with tourist traps, chain restaurants and traffic backed up for miles. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that disrupts the area's innate charm and character harkening back to a simpler time.      To the contrary, the entire area is blessed with natural, unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see. After flying into Asheville, it's a short drive to Haywood County, where there's so much to see and explore courtesy of overlooks providing up close views of those mesmerizing blue-hued mountainous layers; scenic hiking trails highlighted by mammoth water falls; protected areas where wildlife roam and quaint, safe and walkable downtown areas filled with charming shops and restaurants. There are also historic homes to explore and community crafts fairs and cultural events that can be enjoyed throughout the year, even during winter months.       Breathtaking mountain resorts like Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag offer luxurious accommodations for overnight guests, but are open to the public for select dining, hiking and other outdoor activities. My favorite meal of the trip was at Cataloochee Ranch's breathtakingly-beautiful Switchback restaurant. I would literally return to North Carolina solely to enjoy the chef's outstanding cuisine while dining in front of the massive fireplace at Switchback.      Hiking was fun, but my favorite outdoor activity was visiting "pick-your-own" orchards and filling up baskets with dozens of varieties of golden, red and pink apples. If you’d prefer someone else do the picking, Barber Orchards and Bakery stocks a multitude of apples and creates the most unbelievable apple pies, tarts and turnovers. And I can't omit the piece de resistance, apple cider doughnuts. Yes, I DID bring home a dozen (OK, maybe two) of these melt-in-your-mouth treats to savor for several days with coffee and hot apple cider.    I’m still dreaming about the sight of those heavenly blue mountain layers that simply can’t be replicated in any photo I’ve ever seen or shot myself. A return trip in ’26 to enjoy more of this mountain paradise is definitely on my to-do list.      So yes, 2025 was a great year for travel, dining out and cooking. I highly recommend trying one or all of these pursuits in 2026. If you’d like to hear more about the items on my “best of” list or need additional travel trips, simply drop me an email and I’ll be happy to share my experiences. In the meantime…here’s to a wonderful New Year! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com . 5.     Prime Roots  – If you’ve sworn off meat products for dietary or health reasons, there’s new hope for your favorite sandwiches. Prime Roots products are made from a clean, whole-food protein blend and yeast, designed to mimic meat textures and umami flavors. Key ingredients combine to create plant-based deli slices, bacon, and salami that are gluten-free, soy-free and nitrate-free. For once, I enjoyed a triple-decker club sandwich, guilt-free! Check them out at:  webstaurantstore.com/vendor/prime-roots . 6.     Tamarind Heads Barbecue Sauce  – I never thought I’d trade in my favorite sauce for another, but that’s what happened after sampling this tangy sauce. Instead of the traditional tomato and vinegar base combined with a list of other unpronounceable ingredients, Tamarind Heads narrows it down to just six; sesame, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, spices and a unique tamarind base. All combine to create a sauce that takes grilled meat to a new level. To order or find a list of retail locations, check out the website:  tamarindheads.com . 7.     Wyda Food-Grade Tear-Resistant Wrap with Built-In Cutter  – Who among us hasn’t grappled with a pesky roll of aluminum foil that refused to tear, roll or cooperate when needed? Those problems are a thing of the past with this sturdy foil that comes with a built-in cutter, insuring foil tears when and where we need it. I loved the foil so much that I used the brand’s sturdy roasting pans for holiday cooking. The products can be purchased from Walmart.com or WydaPack.com . 8.     Haywood County, North Carolina  –Getting to visit and explore this mountain paradise in western North Carolina was truly the highlight of my year. Surrounded by the other-worldly, multi-colored layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and the ethereal Smoky Mountains on the other, the scenery from overlooks spread throughout the quaint cities of Maggie Valley, Waynesville and other small mountain towns was simply breathtaking. Haywood County, unlike some popular mountain destinations, is not overflowing with tourist traps and chain restaurants. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find anything that disrupts the area's innate charm and character harkening back to a simpler time.   To the contrary, the entire county is blessed with natural, unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see. After flying into Asheville, it's a short drive to Haywood County, where there's so much to see and explore courtesy of overlooks providing up close views of those mesmerizing blue-hued mountainous layers; scenic hiking trails highlighted by mammoth water falls; private areas in which to view wildlife and quaint and safe, walkable downtown areas filled with charming locally-owned shops and restaurants. The area is also blessed with historic homes, community crafts fairs and cultural events. Breathtaking mountain resorts like Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag are open to the public and offer dining, hiking and other outdoor activities. My favorite meal of the trip was at Cataloochee Ranch's breathtaking-beautiful Switchback restaurant. I would literally return to North Carolina solely to enjoy another amazing meal at Switchback...it was just that memorable. Hiking was fun, but my favorite outdoor activity was dropping by locally-grown, "pick-your-own" orchards and filling up buckets with dozens of varieties of golden, red and pink apples. If you’d prefer someone else do the picking, Barber Orchards and Bakery stocks a multitude of apples and creates the most unbelievable apple pies, tarts and turnovers. And I can't omit the piece de resistance, apple cider doughnuts. Yes, I DID bring home a dozen (OK, maybe two) of these round slices of sweet and spicy goodness to savor for several days with my morning coffee and hot apple cider. I’m still dreaming about the sight of those heavenly blue mountain layers that simply can’t be replicated in any photo I’ve ever seen or shot myself. A return trip in ’26 to enjoy more of this mountain paradise is definitely on my to-do list. So yes, 2025 was a great year for travel, dining out and cooking…I highly recommend trying one or all of these pursuits in 2026. If you’d like to hear more about the items on my “best of” list or need additional travel trips, simply drop me an email and I’ll be happy to share my experiences. In the meantime…here’s to a wonderful New Year! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Maybe it truly has been horrible all this time, maybe God did pick you out of all humanity to suffer badly your entire life. Maybe, just maybe, you were selected to show the world how a life of pure misery looks. No way out, impossible to change your destiny. You are designated to be the poster child for ‘ Life Without Hope or Happiness .’ But maybe, there is hope for you. Perhaps what you really need is a change of attitude, or a change of career, maybe move away for a whole relocation to start over in life. Because there is the real possibility that you have gotten stuck in a rut. Mentally and emotionally. And you can’t see any exit, because when you do try to make it better, all you can see is the sides of that deep hole where you live. No sun shines a light on any stairs to leave that deep blackness. But before you decide that this writer just might be right, and you pack your bags and hit the road for greener pastures, I suggest you back off and take a good, clear, candid look at your current life. But please realize one thing. For this honest look, you are most likely going to need another set of clear eyes, paired with a mouth that isn’t afraid to tell you the truth. A counselor, or your doctor, or a pastor or close friend - someone who loves you enough to give you unvarnished honesty about your lifestyle, your personal choices, your aversion to hard work, or possibly your fear of commitment. Spend some time telling your heartbreaking story to this clear-eyed-honest-to-a-fault mouthy friend. Don’t hide anything, let them see your life as you see it. Then do yourself a favor. Give them total permission to talk openly and honestly to you. And listen. Maybe they can help you realize that it wasn't all bad...a lot of ups and downs. And that right now, you are in a down cycle. But according to your life pattern, things will improve, given some time. Or, they may tell you that you do need a real change. Maybe you are in a career you have detested for a long time. Maybe you live in the hot, humid South and it is sucking the life out of your cold-weather-loving soul and body. Or maybe they help you realize that staying in that sinful relationship is hurting you and you need to walk away. Or they just might tell you that your attitude stinks. They might tell you that you are deliberately thinking negatively. About everything. And it’s time to change. Let them be mouthy and give them permission to talk honestly and openly to you. It has advantages – for both of you. The important lesson is to not give up. Either take hope that things usually improve, or realize you need to change some things. And then do one of two things. Thank God that eventually things will be different. Or do some changing.

By: Jessica Breazeale Most people prefer to evacuate a storm if given the opportunity. Who wouldn’t want to skip out on the disaster and the aftermath? It’s too hard…too stressful. I get it.   During Hurricane Katrina, I was a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and a Dixie Darling dancer. When the hurricane hit, our football team, band, and student body were scattered and bewildered. Our first game back after the storm, the band didn’t perform on the field, but those who could attend dressed out and showed support in the stands. It was a hard time. Gas was difficult to find. Living without electricity for several weeks was a new skill set. In that specific time, if I could have avoided Hurricane Katrina, I would have done that. We can’t seem to be that lucky with life’s metaphorical storms, though, can we? We don’t get the luxury to avoid all the bad stuff. Can we simply evacuate when the “storms” come raging? Well, that’s the wrong question, isn’t it?   Yes, we as a people avoid the hard stuff every single day. We escape by mentally checking out, medicate to cover the anxieties, choose the easier, cheaper options to weather the storms. We as a people don’t really want to go through the hard stuff. Did we forget that is  what makes us better? Did we forget that trial by fire made us stronger ? Did we forget that the lessons learned from said storms gave us clarity and wisdom for the next storm?   Why would we want to miss out on all the opportunities that come from the storms? When we acknowledge the storm and choose to be in the presence of God during those rough waters, it ain’t so scary anymore ( using a thick country accent ). We step into the unknown with opportunity. We step into chaos and confusion with power and purpose. It’s a new perspective where we see the storm as a lesson, and if I may be so bold to say, we could all really stand to learn these lessons. There have always been storms and will always be storms – literal and metaphorical . Maybe there was an obvious drought, and we desperately needed the downpour that storm provided. Maybe if everything was perfect all the time, we’d have no real reason to fully rely on God. Maybe if we didn’t learn how to weather the storm, we wouldn’t have the skillset for the next thing headed our way. Maybe if we didn’t develop the gifts from this, we couldn’t bless the people coming our way after this. We don’t know all the “maybes”. God does .    What if the storm needed to happen because of an obvious drought in your life - or one coming later. Maybe you are in prep-mode for a season that will rely on your obedience to weather THIS STORM like a trusting CHILD OF GOD. Maybe you were not just thirsty buy dehydrated on the brink of collapse. The storm’s floodwaters actually saved you. It’s about perspective, right?   Think of your future self. your future children, future grandkids – or so far down the family tree - that this  season matters . o   It matters if  you weather the storm. o   It matters if you get the water  you needed. o   It matters if you learn  the rebuilding lessons you needed. o   It matters if you learn how to storm prep better .   Basically, bad weather is inevitable, but the storms definitely matter. Instead of immediately trying to evacuate, be prepared for it, confident through it, and ready to roll up your sleeves afterward in the aftermath. What a beautiful opportunity to help the next person! Now, looking back at Hurricane Katrina, I needed to learn some of the lessons from that experience. While it was inconvenient and hard, hindsight is 20/20, and I grew a little from that.   Bad weather matters because sometimes it’s needed and good .

By Guest Columnist Charles Ray Fortson, Jr. Pizza lovers are flavor lovers.  Cheeses.  Meats.  Vegetable.  Spices.  At Uncle Ray’s, we think we’ve found a way to bring that kind of flavor to the breakfast table without resorting to the leftover pizza from last night.  We call it an “Egg Pizza.”  It’s rich, robust breakfast that will impress the people for whom your cook and you will enjoy as well.  An innovative variation of pizza and a new twist for breakfasts.   Ingredients 1 tblsp of olive oil 1 tblsp of diced, deseeded and finely chopped jalapenos ¼ cup of your choice of onions finely chopped ½  cup of your favorite patty sausage 1 tblsp of oregano ½ cup of shredded cheese 2 eggs 1 tblsp on milk Salt & pepper to taste ¼ slice of butter Mix the eggs, milk and salt & pepper together thoroughly.   Directions 1.       Use medium frying pan. 2.       Pour in the olive oil and place the frying pan on low to medium heat. 3.       Place the patty sausage, jalapenos and onions in the frying pan and cook until sausage is done.  The place in bowl lined with a paper towel to absorb the grease. 4.       After wiping out frying pan, melt the butter in it on low to medium heat. 5.       Then place the sausage-onion-jalapeno mix in frying pan and pour egg mix over all ingredients, making sure the mixture is even. 6.       Place cheese on top after one minute. 7.       Put lid on frying pan and cook on low heat for four minutes. 8.       Slice into four pieces.  Remove from pan and serve to one or two. 9.       For extra flavor, you can put chunky salsa on top.   Enjoy a new breakfast treat!   EDITOR’S NOTE:  Charles Ray Fortson, Jr., is owner/chef at Uncle Ray’s, an eatery, convenience store, bait shop and camper and boat rentals business across from Lake Lincoln State Park.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College has announced the appointment of Tuwanna Williams as the college's new Executive Director of Workforce Education effective January 5, 2026. Williams brings more than 20 years of experience in workforce development, economic advancement, and community engagement to the role. She most recently served as Director of Workforce Development for the City of Natchez, where she established and led the city's first Workforce Development Department and secured more than $2 million in external funding to support training initiatives. "Tuwanna Williams offers extensive experience and a strong track record in workforce development," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "Her leadership, strong industry partnerships, and firsthand knowledge of workforce needs across our region make her the right person to lead Co-Lin's Workforce Education division as we continue expanding opportunities for students, employers, and our communities." In her role with the City of Natchez, Williams designed and launched the first Building Trades Program in the Miss-Lou area in more than 25 years, creating training pathways in construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and heavy equipment operations. She also convened employer advisory councils, working with more than 170 employers across 22 industries to align workforce training with regional labor market needs. Williams has a strong connection to Co-Lin, having previously served at the college from 2015- 2021 as a College Navigator and WIOA Workforce Recruiter. During that time, she promoted Co-Lin's career-technical and workforce programs across the college's seven-county district, coordinated WIOA-funded training, and worked closely with employers to ensure programs met industry demand. "Mrs. Williams brings the experience, perspective, and leadership necessary to guide Co-Lin's Workforce Education division," said Dr. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Wesson Campus. "Having previously served at Co-Lin, she brings a clear understanding of our college and the critical role Workforce Education plays in supporting local communities and employers across Southwest Mississippi. She also understands how strategic partners such as AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District work alongside the college to align training with workforce demand. That experience will further strengthen our workforce pipeline, drive economic growth, and expand access to meaningful employment opportunities." Her career also includes leadership roles with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Center on Family Homelessness, Magee General Hospital, and the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance, where she focused on workforce readiness, grant development, and community-based training initiatives. Williams holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Delta State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Management from American Intercontinental University. She also earned an associate's degree from Hinds Community College and holds professional certifications in workforce-related training and coalition building. Additionally, she was named 2025 Woman of the Year by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce. As Executive Director of Workforce Education, Williams will oversee the College's workforce training programs and initiatives, strengthen partnerships with business and industry, expand opportunities that support regional economic growth and workforce readiness, and oversee the WIN Job Centers across the college district.

By Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB Back in 2019, brothers Benny and Josh Safdie delivered one of the best films of the year, and possibly the decade, with “Uncut Gems.” The film was, as I wrote in a review earlier this year, “a 135-minute anxiety attack.” And I mean that in the best possible way – I have enormous amounts of respect for movies and filmmakers that know just how to push my buttons. Now in 2025, the Safdie brothers have graduated to solo projects. Benny didn’t fare too well with “The Smashing Machine” (whose review I quoted earlier), though Dwayne Johnson did earn a surprise Golden Globe nomination for playing MMA fighter Mark Kerr, so maybe there’s some life in that film after all. But Josh has found both commercial and critical success with his new film “Marty Supreme,” and he did it by sticking with what works. The film follows Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a con artist in1952 New York who happens to be really good at ping pong. He’s able to come in second at the British Open, and a spot at the World Championships in Japan should be his… if he can raise the $1,500 he needs to pay a fine. Throughout the course of the film, he’ll try to raise the money by hustling games at a nearby bowling alley with help from his friend Wally (Tyler Okonma), robbing his uncle’s shoe store, ransoming a dog (that he doesn’t have) to its gangster owner (Abel Ferrara), getting a sponsorship from a friend’s father, getting a sponsorship from a businessman (Kevin O’Leary) who wants him to throw an exhibition match, pawning a necklace owned by the businessman’s actress wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) with whom he’s having an affair, and assorted other schemes. On top of it all, he learns that he may be the father to the baby of his married girlfriend Rachel (Odessa A’zion), and that may require some flim-flamming as well. The whole thing is basically “Uncut Gems” again, to the point where I’m convinced that Marty must be related to Adam Sandler’s character from that movie. Rachel’s baby would be too old to be Sandler’s age, but maybe Marty had another baby about a decade down the line. The point is that the two movies feature outstanding leads that are put through the wringer as they try futilely to clean up the messes they’ve created for themselves. Good thing I think this is a winning formula, and enough time has passed since “Uncut Gems” that I’m ready for another, similar round. I would have preferred that maybe a few more loose ends be tied up in the finale, but otherwise this is a top-tier awards contender. Speaking of awards, the movie and Chalamet’s performance are doing so well in preliminaries that several Oscar nominations seem like a lock. “Uncut Gems” was overlooked back in 2019, probably due to reluctance to nominate any Adam Sandler project (it was Oscar-worthy though, despite 95% of Sandler’s filmography). That won’t be a problem this year with darling Chalamet in the lead. Heck, voters probably should have given Chalamet an Oscar last year for playing Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” not because he was necessarily “better” than Adrian Brody in “The Brutalist,” but because a Chalamet win would have saved the ceremony from Brody’s hostile, overlong, self-indulgent speech. Another Oscars possibility is that Chalamet and Dwayne Johnson could both be nominated for Best Actor, pitting the Safdie Brothers against each other. Okay, a nomination for Johnson is iffy, and three spots would have to go to other actors, but what a story that would make if it happened. I’m getting all excited thinking about The Rock doing his “just bring it” gesture to Chalamet across a wrestling ring as the Safdies watch on from the corners. But even if we don’t get that family feud, “Marty Supreme” has big things ahead of it in awards season, and rightfully so. Grade: B “Marty Supreme” is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, some violent content/bloody images and nudity. Its running time is 150 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If you are anything like me and a lot of other people in this country, you are sick. Sick and tired of so much around you. Things like, not being able to walk safely to your car in a public parking lot, traffic tie-ups that can keep you trapped on the interstate for hours, and constant scams being foisted on you to separate you from your money. Cons from ‘companies’ (and I use that term very loosely) that are worried about your car maintenance, or offering you tax relief help, or the ever popular “Congratulations, you qualify for a new credit card!” Another thing that makes my tongue curl is the way our Creator and our God is vilified and mocked in our modern society. I would be terrified to treat Him the way people do today. As if their Creator doesn’t exist, or at the least, is just a feeble and powerless Being who has no say in what goes on in today’s world. Therefore, everyone is free to behave in any way they choose. And their ‘any way I choose’ usually doesn’t involve adjectives like  honest, clean, wholesome  or  selfless . Here’s facts, folks. Our Creator has always existed. He still exists. He will always exist. And He is more powerful than we can ever comprehend.  Try imagining a tiny sugar ant carrying fifty million smaller sugar ants on its back. When it comes to the power and complete authority of God, you and I are much like one of those fifty million ants. Only a LOT smaller. Oh yes, definitely, I would be terrified to defy Him the way people are today. Depressing and scary stuff. If I sit and dwell on what I am seeing, I feel myself beginning to spiral downward. There doesn’t seem to be much hope for tomorrow. But if I pull my thoughts up short and talk some sense to myself, I realize;  “Hey, idiot! There is an All-Powerful, All-Knowing God who is watching this universe! And just because things look horrible from your perspective does not mean that He has lost control. It means He is also patient. And just. And there  will  come a time when everyone receives payment for their actions. Painful or thrilling. Fun or terrifying. But it will happen.” Hang in there, folks. Do your best to live well. Remind yourself that you are not in charge, and your infuriated opinions and feelings are not necessarily at the top of God’s “TOP THINGS TO HANDLE AND FIX TODAY.” You and I are free to fume and worry, that’s true. But it doesn’t change a thing. He has this world firmly in His grasp, and He definitely knows what He is doing. Always has and always will. Our God and Creator is totally patient, totally just, and totally in charge. If you don’t believe me, just wait and see.

Bail bonds occupy a narrow but essential space within the criminal justice system. They exist at the intersection of constitutional rights, court procedure, risk management, and public safety. While often misunderstood or oversimplified, bail bonding serves a specific purpose: allowing individuals accused of crimes to remain free while awaiting trial, without undermining the court’s ability to ensure their appearance. From a professional standpoint, bail bonds are not about enabling crime or circumventing justice. They are about managing risk within a legal framework that presumes innocence until guilt is proven. Understanding how bail bonds function requires separating legal reality from popular perception. The Legal Foundation of Bail Bail is rooted in constitutional principles. The concept exists to prevent pretrial punishment while still protecting the integrity of the judicial process. Courts use bail as a mechanism to balance two competing interests: an individual’s right to liberty and the state’s interest in ensuring court compliance and public safety. Judges set bail based on statutory guidelines, the nature of the alleged offense, prior criminal history, flight risk, and community ties. Bail is not intended to be punitive. It is a financial condition designed to encourage compliance. When bail is set at an amount the defendant cannot afford, the bail bond system provides a regulated alternative. This is where the professional bail bondsman enters the process. How Bail Bonds Actually Work A bail bond is a surety agreement. The bondsman guarantees to the court that the defendant will appear as required. In exchange, the defendant or their representative pays a nonrefundable premium, typically a percentage of the total bail amount as regulated by state law. Once the bond is posted, the defendant is released under conditions set by the court. The bond remains active until the case is resolved or the defendant is exonerated through compliance. If the defendant fails to appear, the court issues a forfeiture. The bondsman is then financially responsible for the full bail amount unless the defendant is located and surrendered within a specified period. This risk is not theoretical. It is a core operational concern for every licensed bail professional. Risk Assessment and Decision Making Contrary to public assumptions, bail bondsmen do not indiscriminately post bonds. Each bond represents financial exposure, legal responsibility, and operational risk. Before accepting a bond, professionals evaluate multiple factors. These include the seriousness of the charge, prior failures to appear, employment history, length of residence in the community, family support, and overall stability. Indemnitors are assessed for reliability and financial capacity. This risk assessment process mirrors underwriting in insurance, though the asset being managed is human behavior rather than property. Poor judgment results in forfeitures, legal action, and business failure. Experienced bondsmen rely on structured evaluation, not impulse or sympathy. The Role of Indemnitors and Collateral In many cases, a third party acts as an indemnitor. This person agrees to be financially responsible if the defendant fails to comply. Indemnitors are not passive participants. They sign binding agreements and may provide collateral such as property, vehicles, or other assets. Collateral protects the bondsman against loss, but it also serves as an incentive for compliance. Family members or close associates often play a critical role in ensuring the defendant appears in court and follows release conditions. Professionals explain these obligations clearly. Misunderstandings at this stage lead to disputes, legal conflict, and damaged relationships. Compliance, Monitoring, and Accountability Once a bond is posted, the work does not end. Bail bondsmen actively monitor cases. Court dates are tracked, reminders are issued, and communication is maintained with defendants and indemnitors. This oversight reduces failure-to-appear rates. Courts rely on this function, whether explicitly acknowledged or not. In jurisdictions without commercial bail, failure rates often increase, shifting enforcement burdens to already strained public resources. Accountability is a defining feature of the bail bond system. Defendants who violate conditions face consequences. Bondsmen who fail to manage risk face financial loss and regulatory action. Fugitive Recovery and Its Misrepresentation Fugitive recovery is one of the most misunderstood aspects of bail bonding. Popular media portrays it as unregulated vigilantism. In reality, it is a tightly controlled process governed by state law. Licensed recovery agents operate under legal authority derived from the surety agreement and court procedures. Their role is to locate and surrender defendants who have failed to appear, thereby mitigating forfeiture. Professional recovery work emphasizes compliance, documentation, and coordination with law enforcement when required. Reckless behavior exposes bondsmen to criminal liability, civil lawsuits, and loss of license. The goal is not punishment. It is fulfillment of a legal obligation to the court. Regulatory Oversight and Professional Standards Bail bonding is heavily regulated. Licensing requirements, premium rates, collateral handling, recordkeeping, and ethical conduct are governed by state insurance and judicial authorities. Violations result in fines, license suspension, or permanent revocation. Bondsmen operate under constant scrutiny from courts, regulators, and insurers. Professional bail agencies invest in compliance systems, continuing education, and internal controls. The stereotype of informal or lawless operations does not reflect modern industry standards. Public Safety and Community Impact A common criticism of bail bonds is that they endanger public safety. This argument overlooks the fact that judges determine who is eligible for bail and under what conditions. Bail bondsmen do not override court decisions. In practice, bail bonding supports public safety by ensuring court compliance and maintaining supervision over defendants. Failure-to-appear rates are consistently lower when bonds are posted through commercial sureties rather than unsecured release programs. The alternative to bail is often pretrial detention, which carries its own societal costs. Overcrowded jails strain public budgets, disrupt families, and increase the likelihood of future criminal behavior among low-risk defendants. Bail bonds serve as a pressure valve within the system, balancing enforcement with fairness. Ethical Responsibilities Within the Profession Professional bail bondsmen operate under strict ethical expectations. They must avoid coercion, misrepresentation, and exploitation. Transparency in fees, collateral terms, and obligations is not optional. Ethical practice also includes refusing bonds when risk is unacceptable or when posting bond would undermine public safety. Saying no is part of responsible operation. The long-term viability of a bail agency depends on reputation. Courts, attorneys, and communities remember who operates with integrity. Economic Realities of the Bail Industry Bail bonding is not a guaranteed-profit business. Premiums must cover forfeiture risk, administrative costs, regulatory compliance, and recovery expenses. Margins vary widely depending on case mix and management quality. Insurance backing is required to operate, and surety companies monitor performance closely. Excessive forfeitures result in termination of underwriting agreements, effectively ending the business. Professional bondsmen approach their work as risk managers, not fee collectors. The Practical Reality of Bail Bonds Bail bonds are neither a loophole nor a luxury. They are a functional tool within a complex system. When operated responsibly, they protect individual rights, support court efficiency, and reduce taxpayer burden. The public rarely sees this complexity because success looks like nothing happening. Defendants appear in court, cases proceed, and communities function without disruption. That quiet effectiveness is the measure of professional bail bonding. It is a system built not on spectacle, but on accountability, structure, and informed judgment.

Special to Wesson News   The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) led the celebration last month of the vital contributions of healthcare providers, professionals and community workers on National Rural Health Day (NRHD).   National Rural Health Day is recognized on the third Thursday of November each year to honor the selfless, community-minded, and determined individuals and organizations that serve the health needs of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America.    “In Mississippi, 65 out of 82 counties are considered rural,” said Dr. Jennifer Gholson, Director of the MSDH Center for Rural Health and Population Studies. “Rural providers are the backbone of healthcare in Mississippi. On Rural Health Day, we are honoring everyone, from the physicians to the hospital’s cleaning crew, who work tirelessly to improve the health of rural residents of Mississippi.”   MSDH created the Mississippi Center for Rural Health and Population Studies in 2024 to focus on the issues affecting rural areas of the state. The Center helps rural communities build productive health care delivery systems, support rural health clinics and place primary care providers in rural Mississippi.   In conjunction with NRHD, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) each year recognizes outstanding contributions to rural care through its Community Star Recognition program. This year’s local Community Star was the Mississippi Access Group Network-Health Center Controlled Network (MAGnet-HCCN), a state-chartered corporation that consists of five community health centers serving 24 counties. MAGnet-HCCN, which embodies the Power of Rural by driving innovation, equity and sustainability in care delivery, was featured prominently on the NRHD website,  PowerOfRural.org , alongside other Community Stars from across the nation. The organization was also honored by the Office of Rural Health during their Rural Health Day Celebration on November 17.   For more information, visit  msdh.ms.gov/ruralhealth .  Stay up to date on news and updates on the MSDH Healthy Mobile App, at  www.msdh.ms.gov , and on social media  facebook.com/healthyms ,  twitter.com/msdh  and Instagram.com/healthy.ms

By Jessica Breazeale Looooong before Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus, God had already  planted the tree to meet that  need. You remember the story, don’t you? The song “Zaccheus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he” taught us about the short, dreaded tax collector who climbed the tree to see Jesus coming down the road.   It’s not like Zacchaeus randomly decided to climb up the tree, and then the story is over. The story began way  before Zacchaeus. God planted that  tree, in that spot, and made sure it had grown that  height for the moment Zacchaeus needed to climb it to be able to see Jesus for the event to be recorded in history for us all to read about. The event was NOT merely happenstance.   Same for us. What we go through daily isn’t just random occurrences. I don’t believe that. I believe it’s all a training ground if we so choose to be trained.   We can’t see past our circumstances sometimes. We’re living in the moment in real time.   We may say:   “I’m broke.” “I’m tired.” “I’m lonely.” “I’m jobless.” “I’m hopeless.” “I’m stuck. “   But there’s something past  your circumstances. God saw all  of this LONG before you  did. He already  has a plan. He’s already created the way out  of it and over  it.   God did not verbally tell Zacchaeus to climb up the tree to see Jesus. Zacchaeus made the quick decision to get closer to Jesus…to see him.   Nearly two years ago, on vacation, I was doing what people do on vacation… trying to rest! I was floating down a lazy river, just resting and being lazy, and truly out of nowhere, God gave me a fresh word for my soul. And He gave me one when I desperately needed it…and didn’t know it.   I got back to the hotel room and wrote it all down so I wouldn’t forget. My husband and son were sleeping, so I stayed up late to type it out. I’m not a good sleeper anyway, but I do think that when it’s quiet, I can connect better with the Father.   The next morning, I explained it to my husband to make sure he understood it and that I even understood it. He LOVED IT and said it was awesome. I hope you do, too. If not, maybe it’s not for you. I don’t know who this is for. Probably mostly for me…but here goes. Phototropism = a weird word for people without  a green thumb. Definitely me. I can’t keep a plant alive to save my own life. So, I had no reason to know  this word. I never made straight A’s in science, either.   Phototropism is a response that causes house plants to lean towards the window. Have you seen that?  Yes, phototropism is the process that makes trees bend towards the light. Trees do not sense which way is up; rather, their growth follows the direction from which light comes. This phenomenon, phototropism, of bending towards the light, is when light comes in from an angle. Plants will curve towards it to get better access so they can grow.   See picture below for example.   Plants absorb the light, which gives them energy, so bending towards it will help them to keep getting it. Is this a direct parallel to our life? I vote yes!   The son of God said, “I am the light of the world…unable to be hidden.”   Like a tree or plant, if we want to grow, we need to make the effort and bend towards The Light. We can “make like Zacchaeus” and bend towards the light  – JESUS and HIS WILL.  HIS LIGHT GIVES US POWER and PURPOSE.   If we don’t feel fully charged, fully nourished, fully fed…it could be some weeds  as the culprit choking out the opportunity  to bend towards the light. ONLY YOU can identify  the weeds. In most cases, it’s many  things.   Take some needed time to self-reflect to determine the weeds, how many weeds, where the weeds came from, and the root cause of the weeds. We gotta dig waaaaaay down deep and get to the roots to see what’s choking out your ability to bend towards His will and His light. Only you can do this.   Self-reflection takes a lot of time and never really ends .   But the reward is in the hard !   If we want to grow, find our purpose, be happy, healthy, and whole, let us constantly bend towards the light !

By Susan Collins-Smith, Mississippi State University Extension Service Current and prospective commercial vegetable growers can learn about specialized production methods during Mississippi State University’s 2026 Vegetable Short Course February 24 and 25.     The course will be held at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center (NMREC) in Verona from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first day and until noon the second day. It is open to greenhouse, high-tunnel and field vegetable producers throughout the Southeast.            Attendees will learn about vegetable management practices for growing tomato, lettuce, ginger and other crops via greenhouse, high-tunnel and field production. Participants will attend educational sessions and participate in hands-on activities.            Topics include microgreens, nutrient management, pesticide safety, hydroponic systems, and insect and disease issues. Speakers will also present information on current tomato, pea and lettuce research.            Vendors will offer various goods and services.            Preregistration ($50 per person) started December  1 through the Extension registration portal at https:// msuext.ms/vegcourse26  and closes Feb.16. On-site registration is $70 for both days or $35 for one day per person. The fee covers conference materials, lunch and refreshments.            The NMREC is located at 5421 Mississippi Highway 145 South.            The event is organized by personnel with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.            MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or additional information, contact Timothy Ayankojo at 662-566-2201 or  ita10@msstate.edu . EDITOR’S NOTE:  By Susan Collins-Smith, who writes for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.