The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, hosted by The Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and presented by Southern AgCredit, will be held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds from Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7, in the Trade Mart. Joining the Expo will be the exciting Bulls, Bands and Barrels event, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, at the Mississippi Coliseum. Featuring rising country music star, Chase Matthew along with Justin Champagne and Cole Jones, Bulls, Bands and Barrels promises to be an unforgettable experience. World renowned championship cowboy Chris Shivers will be a featured guest participant at Bulls, Bands and Barrels. “Agriculture and the great outdoors go hand in hand, and the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo provides a great opportunity to bring ag and outdoor enthusiasts together at one event. We are excited to partner with the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation and look forward to serving as the host location for this event once again.” said Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, the state’s premier outdoor show, will fill the 60,000 square foot exhibit floor of the Trade Mart with displays of tractors, implements, power equipment, boats, UTVs, rods, reels, lures, game calls, outdoor clothing and more, all available at special Expo pricing. Also taking place at the Expo will be an archery shoot, a petting zoo presented by Southern AgCredit and presentations by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Sunday is “Kids Day” and children 12 and under will receive free admission. “This show will highlight the incredible hunting, fishing, agricultural and outdoor spirit of our great state,” said Don Brazil, CEO of The Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to be a part of this show, and we look forward to the great time we will have together in August!” Over 100 different vendors will be exhibiting thousands of products. Admission tickets for the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo are available for purchase at the Mississippi Coliseum Ticket Office. Adult tickets are $12.00, kid’s tickets are $6.00, and children 5-years and younger will be admitted for free. Bulls, Bands and Barrels will present its high energy, non-stop action, heart pounding fun at the Mississippi Coliseum, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. Fans will not want to miss entertainment by rising country music star, Chase Matthew along with Justin Champagne and Cole Jones. World renowned championship cowboy, Chris Shivers will be a featured guest/participant at the event as well. Tickets can be purchased at www.BigTickets.com. Adult tickets start at $30 ($5 increase, day of event) and kid’s tickets are $15. For more information, visit BullsBandsandBarrels.com or visit Bulls, Bands and Barrels on Facebook. “Central Mississippi has fantastic people who are among the greatest fans of the type of product we produce. We have been looking at coming here for a while,” said Hunter Price, President and CEO of Bulls, Bands and Barrels. “When we were presented with this opportunity to work with the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, hosted by The Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, we couldn’t pass it up. We knew we’d found the right blend of location, great people to work with and great fans. We look forward to pulling out all the stops to help make the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo weekend one for the books.” Ag and Outdoor Expo Dates and Ticket Info: Show Hours 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Friday, August 5 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Saturday, August 6 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Sunday, August 7 Tickets Adults – 13 years & older … $12.00 Kids – 6-12 years old ………. $6.00 Kids – 5 years and under ….... Free Bulls, Bands and Barrels Dates and Ticket Info: Saturday, August 6, at 7:00 p.m. Adult tickets start at $30 ($5 increase on the day of the event) Kids tickets are $15 Buy your tickets at www.BigTickets.com For more information on the Mississippi Ag & Outdoor Expo, visit www.mississippioutdoorexpo.com.

Like so many of us, I have a lot of my family and friends’ birthdates in my phone’s calendar, and I have it set to notify me when a loved one’s birthday is on the horizon. I prefer to tell myself that “I have so many family members now, and combined with all my friends, I can’t possibly remember all those birthdates anymore.” But truthfully, probably just getting too lazy and too dependent upon my phone reminding me. Tend to take the easy way out when it is available. Recently, it faithfully did its job and sent me a birthday reminder. One of my sisters was turning a year older the next day. So, knowing I might forget to call if I waited until then, I immediately called and told her “Happy birthday a day too early! I am calling you today, ‘cause I might not remember to call you tomorrow.” Did this sweet lady laugh at me? Let me off the hook and tell me she understood completely and has been known to do that also, for the exact same reason? Oh yeah, she laughed at me and remarked that she completely understood, but then this is what she went on to say. “You’re not calling me a day too early! Today is my special day! When I was a little girl, I couldn’t wait to become a year older. And then when I was almost twenty-one, I thought being only twenty was going to drag on forever. But some years ago when I - ahem- turned that dreaded corner that heads towards old age, I decided to quit celebrating the first day of being a year older. Nowadays, I recognize and celebrate the very last day of being only ___. Who in their right mind wants to celebrate and acknowledge that they have to add a number to their age?” This dear lady has decided to thumb her nose at the tradition that says we are to rejoice and party on the official day of getting a year older, even though most of us hate the idea of aging. So, she decided it made better sense to celebrate the last day of still being able to say she is that young. Quote, “Cause after today, being able to say I’m ___ ain’t never gonna roll around again!” What a great way of looking at life! Celebrate where you are today, right now – instead of where you are headed. Do your best to enjoy exactly where God has placed you. No, I realize that not everything is enjoyable in your life at the present, but deliberately look for the good stuff. Life can be so much better for you, if you decide to search for the hopeful and happy. Instead of deliberately staring at the dark and depressing. Both exist in your world. Choosing which one to stare at - that is for you to decide.

Hello Parents: Here’s a heads up while you begin your school shopping. ONLY CLEAR BACKPACKS will be permitted this year. Please be sure to add a CLEAR backpack to your list!

As food prices continue to increase, Mississippians over 60 years old can easily connect to services that provide socialization, nutrition, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of older individuals. The Mississippi Department of Human Services Senior Nutrition Program aims to reduce older Mississippians' hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Through the agency's Division of Aging and Adult Services, senior adults can access home-delivered meals and congregate meal locations across the state. Home-delivered meals are meals provided to eligible homebound persons in their homes. Congregate meals are served in community settings such as senior centers, churches, or senior housing communities. Meal sites offer an opportunity to meet friends and engage in social activities while having a nutritious meal. Services are provided in all 82 Mississippi counties through the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). To connect to the AAA in your county, please visit Area Agencies on Aging - Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov). Another program known as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) offered by MDHS can supplement the diets of older Mississippians by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. MDHS provides the food to local food banks, which distribute the items to over 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters across the state. For more information or to locate a food pantry, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter near you, visit - My Resources (ms.gov) *Food pantry services are available to all eligible Mississippians regardless of age. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) shortens the interview with a case manager, making the verification process much easier. Eligibility workers use data matching to verify an applicant’s information from other government data systems without all of the paperwork of the traditional application process. Once submitted, the eligibility worker sees that the application fits ESAP; it is moved immediately into the ESAP status. ESAP households will not be given a fixed certification period. However, such households will be required to return an interim report provided each year for reporting changes in household income or household size. Everyone in the household must be at least 60 years old and have no earned income to qualify for the Elderly Simplified Application. The benefit amounts are based on income and household size. To determine eligibility for SNAP benefits or to apply, please visit the Pre-Assessment Pre-Assessment | Common Web Portal (ms.gov).

Mississippi Public Broadcasting has won a 2022 Southeast EMMY® award for its popular children’s education show, “Ed Said,” and the broadcast agency’s news team has been honored with two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for outstanding achievement in continuing coverage and newcast. Interim MPB Executive Director and News Director Teresa Collier said the recognition is a reflection of the agency’s commitment to its mission to inform, educate and entertain. “Recognition for MPB's work is always humbling. I’m honored to work alongside this professional staff and so proud of what the news and television teams have accomplished. These awards highlight their dedication to providing MPB’s statewide audience with reliable, thorough, and balanced news coverage, as well as engaging educational resources.” The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter recently announced the Southeast EMMY ® winners during a ceremony in Atlanta. MPB received the Emmy for Outstanding Children/Youth/Teen – Short Form Content: “Ed Said – The Roots.” Producers were Taiwo Gaynor, Keri Horn, Ezekiel Bandy and Ed Foose. “Ed Said” is an “edutainment” program featuring a character who uses rhymes and rap to teach youth the importance of being healthy. The Emmy-winning song can be found here. The news team received regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association for coverage of the water system failures in Jackson, Miss., and the Oct. 4, 2021, 7 a.m. newscast. The water system failures coverage also received a Division B second-place award from the Public Media Journalists Association. For more information on MPB, visit www.mpbonline.org. Find all MPB press releases here.

With the rising summer temperatures come rising energy bills. Don’t let the summer heat get you beat Mississippi; get the help you need with LIHEAP. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to eligible households for managing costs associated with: · Home energy bills · Energy crisis · Purchase, repair, or replacement of air conditioners and heaters To be eligible for LIHEAP, an applicant's household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income (approximately $27,906) to qualify for these programs. “Rising temperatures and fuel costs are having an impact on Mississippians,” said Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. “For many, LIHEAP and the Power to Care programs serve as a lifeline. Connecting these important resources to our neighbors is critical to our mission of offering Mississippians young and old tangible help today to create a lasting hope for tomorrow.” For residents who do not meet the eligibility criteria for LIHEAP, The Mississippi Department of Human Services works with utilities to provide energy assistance to low-income households across the state. Entergy Mississippi’s The Power to Care Program, administered by the Salvation Army, provides bill payment assistance to low-income elderly and disabled customers. Employees and customers contribute to this fund. Their donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by Entergy shareholders up to $500k. "By giving to The Power to Care, donors are providing relief for people in our communities who need it most," said Valarie Mabry, Entergy Mississippi public affairs representative. "Helping build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities is an important part of Entergy's mission and our goal to become the premier utility." Entergy also offers level billing for customers of any income level. Level billing gives the option to spread out the annual cost of a utility bill over 12 months so that no one will be surprised with higher bills in the summer due to the heat. This service is excellent for budgeting. Energy-efficiency tips are also offered to Entergy customers. These tips will help customers manage their energy use, and most tips are low to no cost. Examples of these tips range from letting customers know the ideal temperature to set their a/c on to save money and be comfortable. MDHS is working with Entergy and other energy providers to ensure that the people of Mississippi have access to affordable utilities and assistance with budgeting. For more information or to register for utility assistance through MDHS, please visit https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/energy-assistance-programs-benefit-mississippi-families/ or call 601-359-4500.

Mississippi students and families can now benefit from a new program that will help bridge the digital divide. As Mississippi students prepare to return to the classroom in August, digital connectivity will play a key role in preparing students for the workplace of tomorrow. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) in partnership with the Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) are working to spread awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Program. “BEAM encourages all who are eligible to take advantage of ACP. Connectivity is such a vital part of education, healthcare, and the workforce today. We want all Mississippians to be connected and a part of today’s digital world of opportunities”, stated Sally Doty, BEAM Director. This program is for eligible households struggling to afford internet service; the long-term benefits will help lower broadband service costs for households. Those eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program can receive up to $30 off their broadband service per month and up to $75 off their service if they live on tribal lands. Benefits also include a $100 discount per household on a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes between $10 - $50 to the purchase through a participating broadband provider. A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline; Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision; Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program. “Connecting Mississippians to tangible help today to create lasting hope for tomorrow is the mission of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Internet connectivity in the home is an essential resource in preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Robert G. (Bob) Anderson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or by (1) going to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an online application or print a mail-in application and (2) contacting their preferred participating broadband provider and selecting a plan. For more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program, please visit www.fcc.gov/ACP or call 877-384-2575 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET any day of the week. Learn more about other utility assistance programs by visiting Community Services - Mississippi Department of Human Services (ms.gov). To determine if you are eligible for SNAP benefits, please visit the Pre-Assessment Pre-Assessment | Common Web Portal (ms.gov).

By Kara Kimbrough Here’s a suggestion: don’t just drive through the Capitol City and adjacent counties in search of beaches, mountains and attractions in other states. Instead, slow down, stop and enjoy the natural beauty, scenic water views and wonderful places and sites to experience on and near the Barnett Reservoir. The 33,000-acre Reservoir, or “Rez” as it’s called, and 17,000 surrounding acres with 105 miles of shoreline offer natural beauty and opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and dining. Two of my favorite spots are scenic Lakeshore Park and Shaggy’s on the Rez, a sprawling eatery on the water featuring stunning views and outstanding food. To work up an appetite, first visit Lakeshore Park, located on the southeastern shore of the Rez in Rankin County. The area is open to the public year-round for picnicking, boating, fishing off the pier and swimming in a secure sand-filled water area with an adjacent beach. Birdwatchers are fond of the area due to its annual influx of Canadian geese, mallards and other birds. In short, it’s the Jackson area’s version of a beach. If none of those pastimes sound appealing, let your dogs run loose in the dog park or lie back and relax in one of the hammocks strung between trees and enjoy the picturesque views of the shimmering water. Admission is free Monday through Friday. A $5 parking fee is assessed on Saturday and Sunday at Lakeshore and other parks. Picnicking or grilling may not be your idea of fun, but don’t worry; Shaggy’s on the Rez is nearby and can more than adequately satisfy cravings for cool beverages, fresh seafood, juicy burgers and po’boys, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and so much more. Driving up to the colorful restaurant hugging the shoreline, it was easy to tell the latest Shaggy’s in a lineup of five popular eateries owned by two Gulf Coast restaurateurs (three are on the Gulf Coast; one is in Pensacola) has become a central Mississippi favorite since opening in 2018. Despite an overflow crowd during a holiday weekend, there was plenty of room to dine and take in the water views courtesy of four separate areas, each one with its own purpose and vibe. An outdoor table on the deck just inches from the shimmering water provided cool breezes and an up-close view of boaters pulling up in search of a meal. My waterside table turned into an indoor table when raindrops began to fall. However, large windows continued to provide unparalleled water views that paired nicely with the numerous seafood offerings on the lengthy menu. Like its Gulf Coast sisters, the Rez restaurant is a two-story waterfront building with a bright façade. The sprawling restaurant is composed of the light and airy main dining area, spacious outdoor deck, adjacent “tiki bar” with a livelier atmosphere and an upstairs events area with spectacular water views. Water view aside, many people come to Shaggy’s for the food. Shaggy’s menu is filled with a dizzying assortment of appetizers and dishes. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is fresh, well prepared and served with a creative flair. If you have a predisposed opinion about food served in a brightly colored wooden restaurant, check your attitude at the bottom of the stairs and come on in. I promise you won’t be disappointed. As regional director Adam Gully explains, “We strive for the best possible ambiance, personal service and meal for every guest. We want every visit at every location to be an ‘experience.’ We know what our customers want because we read every review, listen to feedback and quite simply, give them what they want and have come to expect from one of our restaurants." Shaggy’s Rez location is a few hours from the Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of fresh seafood prepared a multitude of ways. The restaurant is known for its sumptuous royal reds ($18.99), a half-pound of extra-large, tasty shrimp served with Country Pleasin’ sausage and red potatoes served in a white wine and seafood broth. Shaggy’s snapper ($27.99) is another favorite dish that never disappoints. Fresh red snapper is topped with shrimp and mushrooms in a sherry cream sauce with a side of coconut rice. Other offerings include seafood platters and pasta dishes, sandwiches and po’boys, fried chicken and steak and the best-selling Shaggy’s cheeseburger. After learning how the cheeseburger is made – the best strips of meat from a prime steakhouse are ground to produce the popular burger – I’m a little upset I’ve never tasted it. It’s an oversight I’ll soon correct. I perused the appetizers and realized several of my favorites from the Biloxi location have made their way north. A sample includes smoked fish dip ($10.99), fried green tomatoes topped with remoulade sauce ($7.99), seafood fries ($14.99) smothered in lobster cheese sauce and topped with blackened shrimp and my favorite, peel-n-eat royal reds ($20.99) served with homemade cocktail sauce. Choosing my entree proved difficult. Basically, I wanted to order it all. After briefly considering my go-to, a crispy fried shrimp po’boy, I perused the “World Tour” menu filled with delicacies from neighboring states and countries. Two that caught my eye were the Nashville hot chicken sandwich ($13.99) and New England style shrimp roll ($20.99). To say they were the best sandwiches I’d ever tasted would not be an overstatement. Not usually a fan of spicy food, I sampled the chicken sandwich with a bit of trepidation. I was pleasantly surprised to find the meat had been seasoned with a light hand, offering only a small “bite” perfectly balanced by the coleslaw topping and brioche bun. The flavors intermingled beautifully to form a near-perfect dish. However, the star of my “experience” was the shrimp roll. Encased inside a soft, buttery bun were generous pieces of tender shrimp pieces lightly coated with mayonnaise and lemon. The finished product is very reminiscent of a New England lobster roll and in fact, if I’d closed my eyes, I could’ve almost sworn I was sampling one. The limited time menu filled with other interesting dishes is just one of the things I love about Shaggy’s. The menu is always changing to add new and creative dishes to the lineup. Most of the entrees and sandwiches come with a side, but if they don't, or if you want more food, choose from among a variety of salads, sautéed vegetables, cole slaw and other side dishes. Children are welcome at Shaggy’s and can choose from among smaller portions of fried shrimp or fish, chicken tenders and burgers. If You Go: Shaggy’s on the Rez Where: 1733 Spillway Rd., Brandon, MS 39047 Hours: 11 a.m. –9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; until 10 p.m. on Friday & Saturday Phone: 601-724-2990 Dress: Casual Lakeshore Park Where: 1112 North Shore Parkway, Brandon, MS 39047 Hours: Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. Admission: $5 per car on Saturday and Sunday; free Monday-Friday Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver Thor (Chris Hemsworth) hasn’t been seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” where he decapitated Thanos, got really fat, and ultimately left to go have space adventures with the Guardians of the Galaxy. I remembered the first two parts just fine, but I had to be reminded of the third prior to “Thor: Love and Thunder.” It seems like the movie had to be reminded of that as well, like it only remembered at the last minute that it needed to include the Guardians. Chris Pratt and company pop up early in this movie, but they and Thor soon part ways. If you saw this movie’s advertising and thought you were in for a 50/50 Thor/Guardians split, you are in for a letdown. Fortunately, the old-hat Guardians are replaced with something arguably even better: the return to the MCU of Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), Thor’s former lover from the Asgardian god’s first two standalone films in 2011 and 2013. Jane’s mind is as sharp as ever, but her body is failing her. She travels to the city of New Asgard, now a tourist trap run by a bored Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), to see if she can be magically be cured by the remnants of Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, which was destroyed in “Thor: Ragnarok” back in 2017. Due to a protection spell put on the hammer by Thor while he and Jane were dating, the hammer repairs itself with Jane as its new owner. Jane teams up with Thor, Valkyrie, and Korg (Taika Waititi, also the film’s director) to battle villain du jour Gorr (Christian Bale), a heartbroken former worshipper with a god-killing Necrosword and a grudge against all gods following the death of his daughter. Our heroes travel to Omnipotence City to ask Zeus (Russell Crowe, doing a Borat voice for some reason) for an army to battle the God Killer, but at met with mockery and refusal. It turns out Gorr has a point about gods caring more about indulging in hedonism than the needs of their worshippers. But he’s kidnapped a pack of New Asgardian children to use as Thor-bait, so he needs to be stopped. The writing of Gorr is probably the worst thing about the movie. Bale is acting his heart out, and the character is truly sympathetic at times, but he’s just such an afterthought for all but about three scenes. And in between those scenes he’s a sarcastic jerk, which isn’t consistent with his overall tone or motivations. The movie really dropped the ball with this character. But then there’s the best thing about the film, which is Hemsworth’s effortless chemistry with everybody, especially Portman. The ups and downs of their relationship are much more exciting than any action sequence, which are pretty much what’s to be expected from the MCU at this point. It’s thanks to them that life and death seem consequential in the MCU again, which is refreshing after a few movies where I’ve become convinced that characters can always be brought back through Infinity Stones or Multiverse shenanigans. Second to Portman is Hemsworth’s chemistry with new weapon Stormbreaker. Not since Joan Rivers has an old battle axe had this much personality. I’ll give “Thor: Love and Thunder” a mild recommendation, thanks mostly to the efforts of Hemsworth and Portman, and Bale in the few scenes where his character’s pathos really comes through. The humor can be hit-or-miss (this movie thinks there is nothing funnier than screaming goats) and the action is memorable only for being set to the music of Guns N’ Roses. This movie isn’t essential MCU viewing, but it’s okay for something on the second or third tier. Grade: B- “Thor: Love and Thunder” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity. Its running time is 118 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Museum of Art in The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Performing and Visual Arts has announced a call for entries for its 2022 Ceramics National. Artists from across the country are invited to submit entries of original works created within the past five years. Ceramic sculptures, vessel forms (both functional and sculptural), and installation works are eligible. Mixed media works are eligible only if ceramic/clay is the primary medium. The deadline for submission is August 7, 2022. This biennial exhibition began in 2016 and has since become one of the top ceramic arts exhibitions featuring a broad spectrum of contemporary ceramic works. It features a gallery exhibition, an awards ceremony, and a juror’s lecture and studio demonstration. It is presented in part by the generous support of Partners for the Arts. “This national juried biennial exhibition has gained wide attention over the years and features some of the best artists in contemporary ceramics,” said Mark Rigsby, museum director and associate professor of Art and Design. “We are especially excited to have Mexican-American artist George Rodriguez, as our juror and visiting artist for this year’s exhibition. We are hoping for another great show to maintain our momentum,” added Rigsby. This year’s juror, George Rodriquez, is a visual artist and ceramic sculptor who creates large-scale figurative works in clay. Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas, Rodriguez draws inspiration from his Mexican-American upbringing. Visualized with ornament, humor and reverence for tradition, his art builds bridges between cultures as well as presents connections to the past. He earned his BFA in ceramics from the University of Texas, El Paso, and then went on to receive an MFA from the University of Washington. A recipient of the Bonderman Travel Fellowship, he traveled to 26 different countries throughout most of 2010. This travel continues to have a profound impact on Rodriguez and his work. Rodriguez was recently honored to serve as a demonstrating artist and presenter at the 2022 National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts Conference (NCECA) in Sacramento, Calif. He is represented by Foster/White Gallery in Seattle, Wash., and is currently an adjunct professor and artist in residence at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia. This exhibition is open to all U.S. residents,18 years of age or older. Entries must have been completed within the last 5 years. All entries must be original works and available for the duration of the exhibit from Oct. 10 – Nov. 4, 2022. Accepted works cannot be substituted. For more information regarding eligibility and specifications visit the USM Museum of Art’s website.

By Bob Garver I believe the opening of “Minions: The Rise of Gru” represents an important milestone. If I’m correct, this is the last movie whose trailer I saw prior to the pandemic. I’ve made a ton of jokes about how many times I had to sit through the trailers for “Morbius” and “Top Gun: Maverick” before those movies opened, but unless I’m mistaken, this was the last holdout. Was the two-year-plus wait worth it? Not really. It’s not the disaster/punchline that “Morbius” was, but it isn’t up to the level of a crowd-pleasing smash like “Top Gun: Maverick,” either. The new film takes place long before the “Despicable Me” movies, but after 2015’s “Minions.” 11-year-old Gru (Steve Carell, whose vaguely-Eastern-European accent is even more annoying when he adds childlike affectations) dreams of one day becoming a supervillain. Luckily there’s a spot open on the legendary squad known as the Vicious 6 since they kicked out founding member Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) right after he procured them a powerful relic. The Vicious 6, now led by Belle Bottom (Taraji P. Henson), dismiss Gru for being too young, and he retaliates by stealing the relic for himself. He’s soon abducted by Wild Knuckles, who is planning his comeback. Gru is simultaneously terrified and in awe of his favorite villain. Maybe as a side-project to the kidnapping, W.K. can mentor him on becoming a supervillain. Of course, we can’t forget about the Minions’ role in all of this. Gru keeps a hoard of the happy henchman (all voiced by Pierre Coffin) in his mother’s basement. Unbeknownst to any of the villains, Gru gave the relic to a bumbler named Otto, who traded it for a Pet Rock. An irate Gru fires the entire Minion army as a result, but they’re loyal to a fault, and immediately organize a rescue effort when they learn their master has been abducted. Standouts Kevin, Stewart, and Bob track Gru to Wild Knuckles’ hideout in San Francisco, where they become kung fu masters at the hands of Master Chow (Michelle Yeoh, my favorite cast member in this movie, even though her appeal is based on her work on “Everything Everywhere All at Once” from earlier this year). Otto works on retrieving the relic via tricycle, while the Vicious 6 track Gru and Wild Knuckles. Like a certain Jack Nicholson movie that is curiously never mentioned, the whole thing is destined to end in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The humor is exactly what you’d expect from a movie like this. The Minions live for physical comedy almost as much as they live to serve evildoers (an inexplicable morality, since they themselves don’t have an evil bone in their bodies). When the movie isn’t mining laughs from Minion mayhem, it mines laughs from the way they talk, which I think is mostly gibberish, though I definitely caught a few Spanish phrases in there. Whatever language it is, it’s high-pitched for maximum annoyance. The target audience for “Minions: The Rise of Gru” is obviously kids, or more specifically families with kids looking for a group activity over the holiday weekend. This means that older kids and adults will be “dragged” to see this movie. There’s some stuff to like, usually involving Wild Knuckles or the Vicious 6 (my favorite member is sinister sister Nun-Chuck, by the way). But at least for me, there wasn’t enough of it. I’m sorry, but a little of Gru and the Minions goes a long way, and I can’t endorse a movie whose very title contains multiple characters and not one of them doesn’t grate on me. Grade: C “Minions: The Rise of Gru” is rated PG for some action/violence and rude humor. Its running time is 87 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

While it seems that the school year just ended, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reminds parents not to wait until the last minute for back-to-school immunizations. Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. More than 99 percent of all students entering kindergarten in Mississippi are up to date on their immunizations, protecting them - and others who cannot be vaccinated – against potentially deadly diseases. "There are many options for where to get your vaccinations now, including private medical providers, retail pharmacies and county health departments," said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. "Regardless of where you have your child vaccinated, it's incredibly important to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. It is the best protection for your child and those around them." There are required vaccinations for first-time school entry in Mississippi as well as a requirement for 7th grade entry. Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) prior to school entry. Form 121 can be obtained from your child's immunization provider, but the MSDH now offers a convenient way for parents to check their child's immunizations record online and print out the required Form 121 or download the document to send to the school. MyIR Mobile is an online portal that gives users access to their official state immunization records based. MyIR Mobile allows users to not only see their own immunization records, but to also add family members to their profiles to see if their child is up-to-date or needs their next vaccination. If none are needed, a certified Form 121 can be downloaded or printed. MyIR Mobile requires identity verification through a phone number or email address to keep records safe and secure. Only immunization records of Mississippi residents are accessible through this program. MyIR Mobile is available at www.MyIRMobile.com. Most county health department clinics are offering special fast track immunization clinics ahead of the back-to-school rush. Call your local county health department for dates and times of these special clinics. Parents of newborns and young children see the required immunization schedule at MSDH.ms.gov/immunizations. Recommended vaccinations for adolescents and teens include those against meningococcal disease and HPV. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.