Special to Wesson News Eddie Britt of Wesson, a mathematics instructor at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin), has been selected as a 2024 Moody Institute Fellow. As part of the selection, Britt will receive an award check for $875 to attend the 50th Annual Conference for the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, set to be held in Atlanta this November.   Britt has been employed as a mathematics instructor at the college since 2004. He also serves as division chair for the Mathematics and Computer Science Division. In addition, Britt is the Mu Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society) sponsor and advisor. During his time at Co-Lin, he has been honored as the Phi Theta Kappa Faculty Scholar and Outstanding Instructor of the Year (2016).   The Moody Institute Trust Fund was established in 1990 in honor of Dr. George V. Moody, the first executive director of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. The purpose of the Moody Institute is to provide funds for enrichment experiences for faculty members employed in Mississippi’s public community and junior colleges. The Moody Fund and program is administered by the Mississippi Community College Foundation.

The six-year-old insisted he go with Mom to see Aunt Jeanie. Never having visited a rehab facility before, he was quite excited with the prospect of seeing ‘Aunt J’s new home.’ He had heard his mom talking on the phone about the room where his aunt played with balls and colored blocks and got to ride on a special bicycle. That sounded right down his alley, and he couldn’t wait. When Jaime and Mom opened the door to Aunt J’s room, of course there were no colorful plastic balls being tossed about. No gaily colored bicycle leaning up against the wall, waiting for him. There was only a pale version of his favorite aunt, lying in a bed, attempting to obediently raise her leg with the help of a therapist. When Jeanie spotted little Jaime framed in the doorway, she immediately threw on a fake smile and waved him over to her bedside for the heartiest hug she could muster at the time. Granted, not much more than a weak squeeze to his shoulders, but she tried for his sake. After suffering through physical therapy and then listening to her nephew’s enthusiastic answers to questions about his friends and his favorite teacher at school, the dear lady was exhausted and quietly closed her eyes for just awhile. Mom quietly prodded Jaime to leave with her and let Aunt J rest. But instead, Jamie shook his head and with tears in his eyes he told his mom, “Huh-uh, Mom, not yet. Aunt J don’t feel very good. I need to be here, ‘cuz nobody needs to be sick by themself.” Compassion. Some of us are just simply born with an abundance of that wonderful trait. And some of us are born with other great ones, but not that one. And yet, the Bible speaks of our Creator wanting us to love and care for each other just like we love ourselves. So, if we are not blessed with compassion and empathy from birth, how do we learn it? Experience is one of the best teachers in this world. A woman who has just had her own baby has a lot more empathy for the pain of the new mom-to-be on her way to the delivery room. An older man who has recently buried his beloved wife understands the heartache of the young husband who stares blankly at the world after losing his young wife and baby in a car accident. Compassion and empathy are hard-won gifts for most of us. They are the result of life slamming us up against the wall and us limping away with a lot more heart-knowledge than before. But even though we hate that learning experience, if we allow it, that pain can cause a big growth spurt in us. Life is hard. But it teaches us to care for each other.

By: Kara Kimbrough It’s always a sad day when a longtime restaurant closes, especially one that gave us a genuinely good menu item that became part of American culture. Such was the case with seafood chain Red Lobster. It’s now-famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits were placed on the table prior to every meal for decades. They were so good that copycat recipes began popping up everywhere. A frozen facsimile and dry mix, neither of which met my high biscuit standards, soon followed.     Despite the closure of its Jackson location a few years ago and most recently, restaurant in D’Iberville and Hattiesburg, the recipe for the famous biscuits is still around and even better, has been perfected to the point that in some cases, better biscuits than the ones made famous by Red Lobster can be baked at home.    I was happy to find a copycat recipe for Bennigan’s famous Monte Crisco Sandwich as well as it’s club sandwich. Bennigan’s was one of my top go-to restaurants when I moved to Jackson in the 1980’s. Its location on Interstate 55 N. was a convenient place to meet friends and enjoy a meal. A creative of habit, I usually selected one of the two sandwiches.    Today, cookbooks and online sites contain a large selection of copycat restaurant recipes, including several from TGI Friday’s, another favorite Jackson restaurant that closed years ago. There’s still a Gulfport location, but since it’s not convenient to drop by often, I was happy to locate copycat recipes for the chain’s burgers, pasta and loaded potato skins. Email me if you’d like any of these recipes or others from your favorite restaurant.    Here are two favorite copycat recipes that I can attest are as good (or better) as the menu item served at its namesake restaurant. Try this recipe for Red Loster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits and you’ll agree it’s better than the restaurant’s version. Thankfully, Cracker Barrel is still found throughout the state, but this recipe for their famous chicken and dumplings will tide you over until you’re able to visit. Better Than the Restaurant’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup buttermilk ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese For the topping: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves ½ teaspoon garlic powder      Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper, if using.      In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and butter. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist. Gently fold in cheese. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 1 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Cut out 10-12 rounds using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit or cookie cutter. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Topping: Whisk together butter, parsley and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the biscuits with butter mixture. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) 2 cups, plus 1 tablespoon. all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup shortening 3/4 cup cold buttermilk      In a large pot, combine broth, water, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover pot. Simmer until chicken is just cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer chicken breasts to a plate. Let cool.      While chicken cooks, make dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add shortening, using fingers to work shortening into flour until it is in tiny pieces. Pour buttermilk into flour-shortening mixture and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Dump dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 15 times, until a ball forms.      Using a rolling pin, roll dough until it is ¼” thick, then cut into roughly 2” squares. Dust surface of cut dumplings lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon flour.      After removing chicken from pot, increase heat to high and bring broth to a boil. Add dumplings one at a time, and let boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat so liquid simmers and partially cover pot, leaving a small crack open on one side. Cook, stirring occasionally, until dumplings are tender and cooked through and broth is thickened to gravy consistency, about 20 minutes. Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. When dumplings are cooked, stir chicken into pot and cook until chicken is heated through, about 1 minute more. Season with more salt, if desired, sprinkle with black pepper, and serve. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

Wesson News Twice a year, Wesson locals Ricky and Jessica Breazeale host a free sports-themed kids’ camp called G.O.A.T. The Breazeales say that G.O.A.T, which stands for “God Over All Things,” is designed to teach children that learning about God and serving Him is fun. G.O.A.T. camps usually include close to one hundred campers. The next camp will be held October 1-3 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the smaller ballfield in Exchange Club Park in Brookhaven. The park is located at 250 Hartman Street. G.O.A.T. Camp Ministries is currently seeking food donations and volunteers. Current camp needs include pizzas, chips, drinks, waters, cookies, volunteers, community groups to help and youth to serve as camp counselors. In addition, area residents are encouraged to help by volunteering their time, bringing their children to the camp, sending their group to help, providing activities or being a guest speaker or teacher. Teens can serve as camp counselors to obtain volunteer credit hours. Other opportunities to help include delivering food, drinks and snacks; donating money for food; and sharing invitations to the camp. Ole Brooke Soccer Club, 13U Combat travel baseball team, American Legion, VFW and Socks for Heroes have already signed up to help with the next camp, and Abbey Berch and Lexi Prestridge of Wesson have agreed to be guest speakers. The camp is free and designed for ages five and up. Parents are encouraged to bring a chair and stay with younger children, and bleachers are also available. No advance registration is required. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, message Ricky or Jessica Breazeale via Facebook messenger or email Ricky@GraceFoamSolutions.com.

By: Dr. Stephanie Duguid When speaking to Jessica Ellison, Executive Director of the National Council for History Education, on my "Empowering Women in Educational Leadership" Podcast, she said that as she continued in positions that had a high demand, her focus was to be sure to “refill your bucket”. Let’s explain the importance of this concept! In the constant hustle and bustle of modern life, where tasks seem endless and hours blend into days, there's a metaphorical bucket within each of us that often runs dangerously low. This bucket represents our energy, vitality, and overall well-being. And like any vessel, it requires regular refilling to ensure that we not only thrive individually but also empower and uplift those around us. The We in Wellness The journey to wellness isn't a solitary one. While self-care is an individual act, its benefits ripple outward, positively impacting our families, friends, and broader communities. When we prioritize our well-being, we're not only rejuvenating ourselves but also setting the stage for collective well-being. By shifting the narrative from the isolating "in illness to the inclusive " in wellness, we underscore the importance of community and interconnectedness. Filling Your Bucket: Activities That Energize Here are a few thoughts of ways to focus on filling your bucket! - Nature Walks : Something magical happens when we reconnect with nature. The rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the serenity of the outdoors can be incredibly rejuvenating. - Art and Creativity: Whether it's painting, writing, or crafting, expressing yourself creatively can be a therapeutic way to refill your bucket. - Physical Activity: Whether it's yoga, a dance class, or a simple jog, movement not only boosts physical health but also releases endorphins, nature's feel-good chemicals. - Mindfulness and Meditation: Taking a few moments each day to center yourself, breathe deeply, and practice mindfulness can be a game-changer for your mental and emotional health. Creating Spaces of Collective Rejuvenation While individual activities are crucial, there's immense power in collective self-care. Group meditation sessions, community fitness classes, or simply carving out regular time with loved ones can amplify the benefits of self-care practices. After all, there's strength in numbers, and wellness is no exception. Setting Boundaries: It's Okay to Say No One of the most significant acts of self-care is setting boundaries. It's essential to recognize that it's okay to say no when your bucket runs low. Prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish; it's vital. An Ongoing Commitment Self-care isn't a one-time activity; it's an ongoing commitment. It's about regularly checking in with yourself, understanding your needs, and taking proactive steps to ensure you're feeling replenished and revitalized. The Ripple Effect of a Full Bucket When your bucket is full, not only do you operate at your best, but you also inspire those around you. You become a beacon of positivity, energy, and well-being, encouraging others to also prioritize their self-care. In conclusion, remember that the journey to well-being is both an individual and collective endeavor. By ensuring that our buckets are perpetually filled, we not only shine in our own lives but also illuminate the paths of those around us. In the dance of life, wellness is the rhythm that keeps us moving gracefully, and together, as a community, we can ensure that the music never stops. I encourage you to be sure to continue to refill your bucket in order to be a transformational and empowering leader. For additional free resources, visit www.drstephanieduguid.com and click on free resources at the top. Determine your plan for continued self-care to be the balanced, focused, and energized leader elevating those around you! To hear the full episode with Jessica Ellison, click here: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146609/women-in-educational-leadership-leading-from-where-you-are

The funeral for Evan’s brother-in-law had concluded two hours ago. And now a small group of grieving family and friends were gathered in Evan and Shaylie’s home to share memories, laughter, tears, and encouragement.    The front door opened again. Nothing unusual about that, people had been arriving every few minutes. But this guest was different, those nearby immediately noticed her and turned to watch her entrance. Which then attracted the attention of everyone else.    As she hesitantly stepped through the door, her slight body moved with a slow awkward gait. Her tense shoulders rounded forward as if to protect her from painful blows. Both hands clutched the small handbag she held in front of her as she moved only a few tentative steps forward, then dwindled to a stop. As the host, Evan came forward to greet her. He reached out his hand, introduced himself, and welcomed her into his home. He didn’t recognize her, but he assumed she was a friend of someone in the family.    The anguished eyes that met his were darkened with an inner turmoil as she quietly spoke to him. Something was very obviously troubling her, and he assumed the cause to be the sudden death of his brother-in-law. So he quickly turned to search through the guests to locate his wife. Hoping that kind lady would come to his rescue.   Just like everyone else in the living room, Shaylie had already spotted the lady as soon as Kathey stepped through the door. So it didn’t take long to reach her husband’s side. Shaylie put her arm around tense shoulders and spoke softly into Kathey’s ear. Because they attended the same ladies church group, she was well acquainted with her friend’s story. She didn’t have to assume or guess the reason for Kathey’s tenseness. The endless rounds of doctor visits. The sleeplessness. The never-ending pain in Kathey’s body which doctors had yet been able to source. Hugging her friend, Shaylie softly thanked her for coming to express her sympathy.   Then she made her mistake. She gently asked Kathey how she was feeling today.    Slowly looking around the crowded room, Kathey saw so many people who attended her own church. People who had never bothered to ask her how she was feeling. The sight of so many gathered together to console Shaylie’s family suddenly brought on an attack of well-fitted, self-centered horse-blinders. Shaylie’s sadness and grief were forgotten. All Kathey could see was her own lonely five-year battle with misery.   And then, the dam broke. The result of feeling isolated for years with her pain suddenly erupted from a mouth that had seemingly lost all control of itself. Resentment and jealousy coated her tongue and spewed its filth over everyone there, before she turned and rushed out the door.   Never realizing the harm she had just inflicted on Shaylie’s family and her own reputation.    Speak up, before you finally explode and cause damage.

By: Dr. Stephanie Duguid When speaking to Brenda Jones, an Academic Support Coordinator at a university, on my "Empowering Women in Educational Leadership" Podcast, she said that one of the most essential skill a leader needs is to “find the funny”. Let’s see why humor is so important for women in leadership! In the high-pressure world of leadership, where responsibilities are endless and challenges are many, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. For women in leadership, this can sometimes be magnified by societal expectations and gender biases. However, one weapon in the arsenal to combat the stress and the weight of it all is surprisingly simple: humor. Find the funny, as they say, and you’ll find the balance and strength you need to thrive. The Science Behind Laughter Laughter, beyond just being enjoyable, offers tangible health benefits. It releases endorphins, our body's feel-good chemicals, which can ease pain and promote a sense of well-being. Moreover, laughing has been shown to reduce the level of stress hormones. For leaders, especially women juggling both professional and personal pressures, a dose of daily laughter can be the best medicine. Laughter Breaks Down Barriers In a corporate setting, it's often the more human moments that people remember and resonate with. When a leader can find humor in situations, or even in themselves, it fosters a sense of relatability. This establishes trust and can even inspire loyalty among team members. It says, "Yes, I have a prominent position, but I'm human just like you." Embracing Imperfections For women, societal pressures often dictate an unspoken rule: to be perfect. However, let’s be real; nobody is. When a woman in leadership can laugh at her own mistakes, it not only humanizes her but also sets a precedent for the team. It sends the message that it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn and grow from them. Building Resilience Being able to find humor, even in challenging situations, is a sign of resilience. For women leaders facing the unique challenges that come with breaking ceilings and navigating traditionally male-dominated environments, resilience is key. And what better way to bolster that resilience than with a hearty chuckle now and then? Fostering Creativity and Innovation Humor has a way of freeing our minds, allowing us to think outside the box. When leaders encourage a culture of humor and light-heartedness, it can spur creativity. Ideas flow more freely, collaboration becomes more enjoyable, and the workplace turns into a hub of innovation. Life, with all its intricacies and challenges, will always test our mettle, especially for those at the helm of leadership. For women leaders, "finding the funny" is not just a quirky phrase. It’s a philosophy, a strategy, and a vital tool to navigate the challenges with grace, humility, and strength. So, the next time you feel the weight of leadership heavy on your shoulders, remember to find the funny. Your mind, body, team, and organization will thank you for it. I encourage you to “find the funny” every day. For free resources, visit www.drstephanieduguid.com and click on Free Resources at the top. Find the funny in your life! To hear the full radio episode with Brenda Jones, click here: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146639/women-in-educational-leadership-removing-barriers

By Kara Kimbrough Just when I thought I’d seen it all, an online group of over 250,000 fans of Carnation Breakfast Bars has joined together to share their love of a favorite breakfast go-to from the 1970’s and 80’s that was discontinued in 1997.  Recipes for copycat versions are shared among group members from around the world, along with reviews on similar copycats (none prove worthy) on today’s shelves. Similar “bring back my favorite product” groups can be found online and on social media. It made me realize that food and beverage items on which we grew up will always trigger nostalgic feelings and, in the the case of the Carnation fans, a deep longing for the past. I’ve shared my love for Welch’s Jelly Doughnuts that no longer available in the freezer case. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a favorite snack, Planter’s Cheese Balls, has been revived and brought back to supermarkets. Reviews are less than stellar, with reports that they “just don’t taste like the ones I remember…” I’ll be the judge after I purchase a can later today. I’d love to know which supermarket items you loved in the past that are no longer available. Drop me and email and I’ll check to see if there are any online support groups or copycat recipes for your favorite retro item. In the meantime, here’s a recipe for a cake baked almost weekly by my grandmother that has, for some reason, gone out of style. I’m not sure why, since it’s as easy to make and even better, delicious today as it was 50 years ago.  Try it and I’m sure you’ll agree that sometimes, like a can of cheese balls, reviving retro items makes good sense. Sock-It-To-Me Cake 1 (15.25 ounce) package butter yellow cake mix, divided 1 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 4 large eggs 1 cup sour cream ⅓ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup white sugar ¼ cup water  1 cup confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons milk      Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 10-inch Bundt cake pan. Combine 2 tablespoons cake mix, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl; set aside.     Place remaining cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, sugar, and water in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes.    Pour 2/3 of batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with pecan mixture, then spread remaining batter evenly on top.    Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45-55 minutes. Cool in pan for 25 minutes; invert carefully onto a serving plate and let cool completely.   Blend powdered sugar and milk together to make a glaze; drizzle over cooled cake. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

August.  Back to school.  Football season.  Tailgating.  What better way to get ready for the season of tailgating than to visit the home to some of the best BBQ in the state, Magnolia Blues.    Check them out on Tuesday, August 20th from 3:00-9:00 pm when they host their annual Barks & Brews benefit for the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL).  On that day the generous folks at Magnolia Blues donate the proceeds generated from 3:00-9:00 pm to BARL.  Custom designed Barks & Brews T-shirts will be on sale and musical guest will be Blake Scafidel, who is donating his time and talent in support of BARL.    BARL volunteers are also working on other fundraisers.  They are contacting businesses and individuals about yearly sponsorship opportunities.  Sponsors are highlighted at fundraisers and adoption events throughout the year starting with the Fifth Annual Canines, Cats and Corks (CCC) Wine & Spirit Tasting.    The tasting event is one of the largest selections of wines and spirits in Mississippi, featuring over 50 fabulous labels.  The CCC is set for Thursday, September 26 at the Brookhaven Building.  Live piano music and hors d’oeuvres will round out the evening.  CCC Main Tickets, plus an option to upgrade to a Luxury Pass, can be purchased at barl.net/events , from a BARL volunteer and at Bank of Franklin in Brookhaven.   In addition to yearly sponsorships, volunteers are collecting items for the annual Barks & Bids Online Auction scheduled for October 20-24.  Each year the auction features well over 100 items.  Bidders will see a vast array of items from businesses and individuals, including one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces.   “We took in over 1,200 animals last year, in addition to assisting another 680 animals get spayed/neutered.  BARL provides the animals with food, shelter, veterinary care, and anything they need to keep them healthy and comfortable until they find homes.  Adoption fees do not cover the cost of the animals’ care.  Fundraising is difficult; however, it is a reality for us.  BARL does not receive government funding.  Without the support of our donors and a core group of volunteers doing exhaustive work, BARL would not exist,” said Rusty Adcock, BARL president.            Businesses and individuals looking to support BARL through sponsorships or auction items should contact volunteers Gail Garbo at 601-757-3211 or Julie Montalvo at 601-757-3211.    BARL's mission is to humanely care for shelter animals while contributing to community activities that reduce pet overpopulation, encourage responsible pet ownership, protect public health and safety, and promote the human-animal bond. BARL is a volunteer-based, 501 c3 charitable animal welfare organization serving Copiah, Franklin and Lincoln counties. BARL provides food, shelter and veterinary services for homeless animals until they are adopted.  All BARL animals are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped.  Anyone with questions about adopting, contributing, or volunteering should call BARL at 601-757-4367 or email info@barl.net .  Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to BARL, P.O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS  39603. BARL features many of its adoptable animals online at barl.net and on their Facebook page.

By: Bob Garver With “Trap,” writer/director M. Night Shyamalan has given us a half-decent movie. By which I mean that half of it is… decent. The first half delivers the taut thriller we’ve been promised, and it’s not great or anything, but it’s reasonably suspenseful and enjoyable. And then the movie becomes garbage. Not the unique, crazy garbage that only Shyamalan can deliver, but uncreative garbage that no self-respecting filmmaker wants to deliver. At the beginning of the film, we are introduced to doting dad Cooper (Josh Hartnett). He’s taking his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a concert by her favorite pop star, Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan). He learns from oversharing merchandise seller Jamie (Jonathan Langdon) that the FBI is monitoring the concert. They have a hot tip that a serial killer known as The Butcher is in the arena, and with the help of profiler Dr. Josephene Grant (Hayley Mills), they’re going to catch him. This makes Cooper very worried. He starts behaving erratically and evasively, and it certainly looks like he’s The Butcher… because he is The Butcher. Don’t buy into any of those ridiculous fan theories about how, say, preteen daughter Riley is really The Butcher just because “the trailers ‘imply’ Cooper is The Butcher, but they don’t flat-out say it.” I’m flat-out saying it. The suspense in this movie comes from whether or not Cooper will be stopped or if he’ll kill anyone along the way. If you come into this movie expecting a mystery about The Butcher’s identity, you’ll be disappointed by more than just the weak second half. The stuff about Cooper trying to weasel his way out of the arena really does work. The well-cast Hartnett is as engaging a lead as this movie could have, and Shyamalan expertly keeps the tension steadily growing. This being a Shyamalan film, it’s also important to note oddball supporting characters like Jamie and the mother (Marnie McPhail) of a girl that doesn’t get along with Riley. These characters effectively add to the suspense, and they’re completely unaware of it. I complained about these types of scene-stealers in my review of “Longlegs” a few weeks back, but this movie isn’t as obnoxious about trying to make everyone quirky. The good times don’t last. Eventually the action leaves the arena and goes back to Cooper’s house, complete with wife Rachel (Alison Pill) and son Logan (Lachlan Miller). The perspective even shifts from Cooper to someone else for a little while. The venue change isn’t exactly where things start going downhill for this movie, but it’s soon after. The real turning point is when Cooper has to drop the façade and start behaving like a stereotypical bad guy. I was digging scared, desperate Cooper, but when he’s The Butcher, he’s neither scary nor interesting. Then, of course, there’s that interminable ending. Cooper manages to fool the FBI more than once, which is all the FBI should be permitted. The agents are all dumb as bricks. Cooper should have just taken his chances with being questioned at the concert and he probably would have gotten away. He makes some annoying mistakes too, but I can somewhat chalk those up to mental instability. More problematic than the plausibility of the characters’ decisions is that the timing and energy are all off, like Shyamalan’s inspiration just ran out of gas. I guess he was so dead-set on getting the concert scenes right that he considered everything else expendable. The pop music of Lady Raven is a good enough metaphor for “Trap.” It isn’t disastrous, like previous efforts from the Shyamalan family. I was relieved when Saleka proved to be a better singer and actress than her nepo-baby credentials would suggest. But at the same time, I couldn’t imagine any of these unmemorable songs becoming major hits. Just like I can’t picture “Trap” being anyone’s favorite thriller or Shyamalan movie. Here’s hoping you can easily get out of the theater.   Grade: C-   “Trap” is rated PG-13 for some violent content and brief strong language. Its running time is 105 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, Opera Mississippi will be holding general auditions. These auditions are for (1) open roles in the opera's spring production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, (2) the Opera Mississippi Chorus, (3) our young artist program and (4) our children's opera production. These in-person auditions on Saturday, August 24, 2024, will be from 11:30 AM - 6PM at the Arts Center of Mississippi, (Large Rehearsal Hall) 201 E Pascagoula St. Jackson, MS 39201. The mainstage production of The Magic Flute will be performed in Jackson on April 26, 2025, and in Natchez, Miss on May 2, 2025. In addition to our mainstage production, college students and local young singers are encouraged to audition to be a member of Opera Mississippi's Young Artist Program which also provides artist development opportunities such as master classes, coaching, and paid-performance opportunities. Singers who have sung with Opera Mississippi Chorus in previous productions, and wish to do so again, do not need to re-audition but are asked to complete the registration/audition form in order to register their interest for next season. There is no registration, audition, or pianist fee, and auditions are open to local and regional singers who live within driving distance of Jackson. Also, a pianist will be provided, or you may bring your own pianist. No a capella auditions, please. Opera Mississippi performances and rehearsals take place in Jackson, Natchez, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and other Mississippi cities. Community members and local singers, regional professional and young artists, college music students, and advanced high school music students are encouraged to audition. Visit www.operams.org/auditions to register for an audition time. In lieu of a live audition, singers may also submit video recordings via the online application. For show details, application instructions, and requirements, interested singers should visit www.operams.org/auditions . Auditioners should prepare two contrasting songs in a vocal style that best reflects their level of study, vocal ability, and interest. Selections in all musical genres–opera, art song, musical theatre, gospel, jazz, pop, country, etc.–are welcome. Singers should bring sheet music for the pianist (see the website for more details) or may also sing to a recorded instrumental track/accompaniment. Please no a capella auditions. For more information and to apply, visit www.operams.org/auditions . For questions, please contact Alicia Bell at alicia@operams.org or call 601-960-2300. You can also register  here .

You stepped out there and thoroughly blew it, and you knew it. All you could do was apologize. Knowing you were wrong you went ahead…you said “I’m sorry.” But the apology you have offered seems to fall way short of the mark. Somehow it just doesn’t have your intended effect– restoring the relationship that was damaged by your actions. ‘Somebody’s’ nose still seems way out of joint. Why? Does the other party have forgiveness issues? Grudge-holding is one of their favorite hobbies that they could easily turn into a profession? Where they could rank at the very top? Or maybe your victim doesn’t believe you meant one word of your apology, and therefore refuses to let bygones be bygones? In their eyes, you have used the phrase ‘I’m sorry’ so many times, that those words seem to hang in the air around you like a smelly smog. Could be either of those problems. Or, it just might be something else. It might just be that you did indeed mean your apology. You know you were in the wrong, and you owned up to it with those two little words. But your listener is still stiffly regarding you like you’re a skunk that stalked in and proceeded to set up shop in their living room. Why? Because they need more than your two words of regret. They need you to openly talk. They’ve been hurt by you. And they want you to say that you understand how badly they’ve been offended. A real acknowledgment from you of what you did. And then, they need to hear you actually say that you will do differently from now on. Do you feel the hackles rising on the back of your neck reading this? The reaction you’re experiencing is basically, “Hey, c’mon! I said I’m sorry. I certainly don’t need to fall on my knees and grovel. Ain’t doin’ it!” Yeah, you can certainly stand on that. But just be prepared for a change in the relationship. A cooler, more distant climate when you are around them. Your choice. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can do a lot better job of owning your mistake than that. And when you do, you will stand a whole lot better chance of having a good relationship with that person. Plus, you will not only have a shot at getting your relationship back on track, but very likely you will be able to look at yourself in the mirror much easier.