By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB       With Zack Snyder’s version of the DC Universe having officially fizzled out, Warner Bros. is trying a hard reboot of the multi-faceted superhero franchise under the direction of James Gunn. First up for Gunn is “Superman,” with actor David Corenswet stepping into the role of space alien Kal-El/mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent/blue-suited metahuman Superman. Corenswet is a good fit for the role, as he unflinchingly nails the character’s strength and stoicism, as well as his unrelenting moral dedication and occasionally-naïve optimism. His mere casting is the first good decision by Gunn, getting the movie (and thus, the series) off on the right foot.             The film forgoes its main character’s origin story and picks up three years after the Superman persona has become known to the public. He’s ready to help out wherever he’s needed, whether it’s a collapsing skyscraper in the American city of Metropolis or a hostile military invasion by the far-off dictatorship of Boravia. He’s a selfless force for good in the world, which of course means that many, many people have a problem with him. In particular, evil industrialist Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, another solid casting choice with a good balance of smugness and intensity) wants to stop Superman, ostensibly so he can carry out grand schemes without interference, but really because he’s jealous that the hero’s many good deeds keep eating up the headlines.             Speaking of headlines, “Clark” works, as always, at the “Daily Planet” newspaper alongside intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, yet another good casting choice with a sharp wit and excellent chemistry with Corenswet). At first it seems like these two have a bit of a cute crush on one another, but all is not as innocent as it seems. Lois has a tendency to make Clark feel insecure about the godlike, above-reproach identity he’s set up for himself, but maybe it’s good that he feels insecure so he can think about the consequences of his actions. Or maybe she’s wrong and he shouldn’t be worried about backlash or second-guessing himself. It’s a complicated issue without a straightforward answer, but they’re determined to work through it together.             Surprisingly, Superman isn’t the only metahuman in Metropolis. The city is also served by Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawk Girl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi, who contributes so much to the movie’s heroics that he may as well be a co-lead). But Superman is more powerful than all of them because powers from the planet Krypton are in his DNA. Kal-El’s Kryptonian parents were able to send him to Earth from their dying planet with some advanced technology, which developed over the years into the Fortress of Solitude in Antarctica, complete with robot servants and Krypto the Superdog. They also threw in a message of encouragement via hologram. Kal-El doesn’t know what they were encouraging, exactly, but probably just a reminder to always be good, right?             This version of “Superman” has all the makings of a great superhero movie, but I can’t say that it ever really becomes one. I recommend it overall, but for every well-realized character or interesting plot point, there are several others that just come off as unnecessary. For example, I may care about Lois and Clark’s co-workers at the “Daily Planet” down the line, but here I wonder why the movie needs to go to their offices at all when there’s already so much new information to take in. The same overcrowding problem applies to this franchise’s rivals over at the MCU, which is why so many of their movies have seemed like mush lately. Gunn has to opportunity here to not just bring the DCU back from the dead, but pull it ahead of the MCU while that once-great cinematic universe is mired in its mid-2020’s doldrums. This movie is not going to cause the DCU to overtake the MCU in a single bound, but for the first time in a long time, the DCU feels like a worthy contender for superhero supremacy. Grade: B- “Superman” is rated PG-13 for violence, action and language. Its running time is 129 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is making a resurgence in Mississippi. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has issued a health alert warning the public about an increase in pertussis cases in the state. As of July 10, 80 cases have been reported so far this year, up from 49 for all of 2024. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported. Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughs that make it hard to breathe. It most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies under 1 year old. Most (76%) of this year's cases have occurred in children less than 18 years of age, including seven cases in infants less than 2 months old. Of the 73 cases that were age-eligible for pertussis vaccination, 28 were not vaccinated. Among those unvaccinated, 23 were less than 18 years old. Of the 10 hospitalized, seven were children less than 2 years old. While cases have been reported statewide, 40% were identified in Northeast Mississippi. Vaccination, one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against pertussis, is recommended for everyone. There are two types of combination vaccines that include protection against pertussis, as well as diphtheria and tetanus: DTaP and Tdap. DTaP is recommended for younger children, while Tdap is recommended for older children, pregnant women and adults. Infants should receive DTaP vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months followed by two booster doses at 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years. Pre-teens should receive Tdap at 11 to 12 years to boost their immunity. Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap in the 27th – 36th week of pregnancy to help protect their newborns from pertussis during their first few months of life. Also, grandparents and other extended family/friends who may come in close contact with the infant should get booster shots to ensure they don't unknowingly pass the disease on to the child. Although there is no routine recommendation for pertussis boosters, immunity wanes over time. Pertussis is transmitted person-to-person through respiratory droplets or contact with airborne droplets. Patients are considered infectious from the onset of symptoms until three weeks after the start of high-pitched coughing fits, or until completing five days of antibiotics. Recommended treatment includes antibiotics within three weeks of cough onset in people 1 year of age and older, and within six weeks of cough onset in infants younger than 1 year old and pregnant women. MSDH offers vaccinations to children and uninsured adults at county health departments. To make an appointment, visit  https://msdh.ms.gov/pertussis  or call (855) 767-0170. If you're not sure about your child's vaccination history, you can find their records by creating an account with the MyIR service, checking with your pediatrician or contacting the MSDH Immunization Office at (601) 576‑7751. Download the new MSDH Healthy App for free in Apple and Android stores. Get up to date news and updates at:  www.msdh.ms.gov .  and on social media:  facebook.com/HealthyMS ,  twitter.com/msdh  and  Instagram.com/healthy.ms\

Special to The Bolton News In a continued effort to promote cleaner neighborhoods and reduce illegal dumping, Waste Management has partnered with Hinds County District 2 Supervisor Tony Smith to provide a free roll-off dumpster for public use. This initiative offers residents a convenient and responsible way to dispose of household waste at no cost. Beginning June 30, 2025, the dumpster will be located at the Hinds County Public Works North Maintenance Satellite Building, situated at 10000 I-20 Frontage Road in Bolton, Mississippi. It will be accessible to the public during normal hours of operation, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This service is intended strictly for residential use. Commercial businesses, contractors, and construction-related disposal are not permitted to use this dumpster. Items that can be properly disposed of include bagged household trash, old furniture, non-recyclable bulk items, yard clippings, and general non-hazardous waste. Certain materials are prohibited and must not be placed in the dumpster. These include tires, paint, chemicals, hazardous waste, electronics such as televisions and computers, batteries, motor oil, construction materials like brick, concrete, sheetrock, or roofing, and large appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. Improper dumping or misuse of this service could result in citations and may jeopardize the availability of the dumpster for the community. Residents are encouraged to follow the guidelines and help maintain the integrity of the program. “This is our community,” said Supervisor Tony Smith. “Let’s take pride in it and work together to keep it clean.” For more information about acceptable items or any other questions, residents are encouraged to contact Waste Management at 601-932-5132 or the District 2 Supervisor’s Office at 601-968-6690.

By: Kara Kimbrough Shortcut versions are out there, but nothing beats an utterly delicious homemade version of Shoney's Famous Strawberry Pie in the summertime. If you don't have the recipe, email me and I'll send it to you.  We’ve all done it…scrolled the internet late at night and watched videos of chefs of all skill levels cooking dishes that look SO delicious that we wanted to taste them at that exact moment. Obviously, that’s not always possible due to a number of factors. 1. We don’t have the items on hand and 2. The nearest supermarket is usually a few miles (or more) away and venturing out late at night probably isn’t the smartest idea. To solve this ongoing problem, I searched for a few shortcut versions of some of the most appetizing-looking dishes that contain ingredients that most of us have on hand. First, I watched with fascination as someone stirred together a version of Shoney’s famous strawberry pie. It’s a simple recipe, but I didn’t have fresh strawberries, Jell-O and a pie crust on hand to make the delicious dessert. However, I DID have three items that I strive to keep in my freezer at all times: frozen strawberries in sugar, a container of Cool Whip and Sara Lee All-Butter Pound Cake. Topping a slice of defrosted pound cake with the remaining two ingredients created the perfect late-night snack. My version wasn’t as good as Shoney’s, but it sufficed until I could buy the ingredients for Shoney's pie the following day. Watching another home cook make an intricate Korean beef and noodles dish piqued my interest and taste buds. But spending 1-1/2 hours working on the dish in a hot kitchen wasn’t the best use of my time or patience. Using a bottle of Korean marinade, pre-sliced beef and ramen noodles (something I literally hadn’t tasted since college), the end result was surprisingly delicious and filling. Last, I’m not a huge fan of Mexican food, but after running out of ideas on ways to use a large package of chicken, I watched another video of a chef creating Salsa Verde chicken.  He made the sauce from scratch, but I decided to substitute a cup of jarred sauce, which is often used as a dip. While it won’t replace my favorite chicken parmigiano, it was tasty and here’s the best part, only took 15 minutes to make. Try these two shortcut dishes to help make the most of summer days filled with lots of fun things to do while continuing to get dinner on the table. Since you’ll save time on dinner prep, spend a little time making Shoney’s most famous dessert. If you don’t have the recipe, drop me an email and I’ll send it to you. Enjoy the remaining days of summer! Shortcut Korean Beef Noodles 15.52-ounce package instant Ramen noodles 1 pound thinly cut ribeye steak or another cut ½ pound baby Bok choy, ends trimmed and washed (can use cole slaw mix if Bok choy is not available or to save time) 1 green onion finely chopped ½ small onion sliced 1 ½ cup Korean barbecue sauce or marinade (found next to regular barbecue sauce/marinades or in ethnic section )½ tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional Place ramen noodles in sauce pan of boiling water and begin loosening with tongs. Once they are loosened, strain and rinse under cold water. Do not boil noodles too long; set aside. In sauce pan over medium high heat, add oil, then yellow onion; cook until softened and slightly browned on edges. Next add green onions. Add beef and stir fry until beef is partially cooked. Toss in Bok choy or cole slaw and stir fry with beef. Cook until juices in the wok have evaporated, about 3-4 minutes. Add in strained ramen and Korean sauce. Mix everything together. Once everything is mixed, remove off heat to serve over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice 4 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup jarred thick Salsa Verde (found in condiment aisle or ethnic section) 1 cup pepper Jack cheese, shredded Package of Knorr Spanish rice (or other instant rice brand) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven. Season the chicken evenly with pepper. Place the chicken in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet or 3-quart baking dish. Drizzle with the oil. Pour Salsa Verde over the chicken. Bake until salsa is bubbly and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 140 degrees, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Sprinkle the chicken with the cheese and return to the oven. Broil until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, about four minutes. Serve over Spanish rice or with other favorite side dish. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

On Thursday, July 17, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School will open its doors for Visions and Voices —a special community conversation led by Principal Mr. Hodge and Dr. Freeman. The event is part of a continued effort to strengthen the connection between the school and the families it serves by listening directly to those who know it best. Parents, guardians, educators, and local residents are invited to attend and take part in an honest discussion about the current state of the school. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on questions such as, “What are we doing well as a school?” and “In what ways can we improve?” The goal is to create a space where all voices are valued, concerns can be expressed openly, and new ideas can be brought to the table. Mr. Hodge emphasized the importance of community input in shaping school priorities. “This is not just about hearing feedback,” he said. “It’s about building a shared vision for the future—one that reflects the needs and hopes of our students, staff, and families.” Dr. Freeman echoed that sentiment, noting that meaningful progress comes from collaboration. “We can’t move forward without knowing where we stand today,” she said. “We need your insights, your experiences, and your suggestions.” The school encourages everyone interested to register in advance. Time will be set aside for both structured discussion and informal conversation. Visions and Voices  is more than a meeting—it’s a moment to build trust, strengthen relationships, and lay the groundwork for continued excellence at Bolton-Edwards. Whether you’re a parent with a kindergartener, a longtime teacher, or a neighbor who simply cares, your voice matters. Make plans to attend and help shape what comes next.

As summer winds down, it’s time for BEEMS families to get ready for the start of a new school year. Parents and guardians are encouraged to mark their calendars for our upcoming back-to-school open registration events. This is a crucial opportunity for families to ensure their children are ready for the academic year ahead. Registration will take place over several days: from July 21st to July 23rd and again on July 28th and 29th, with hours set from 8 AM to 3 PM each day. Please note that there will be a break for lunch from 12 PM to 1 PM. Additionally, we will have a special registration session on July 30th, running from 1 PM to 6 PM. To complete registration, families must bring a valid driver’s license or state issued I.D. and two current proofs of residency. Utility bills must be dated within the last 30 days and match the name on the ID provided. It is important to take advantage of these registration times, as there will be no opportunity for registration during Meet The Teacher Night or on the first day of school. This ensures that all students can start their educational journey without delay. For any questions or further information regarding the registration process, please do not hesitate to reach out to Andrea Smith-Johnson at andsmith@hinds.k12.ms.us . We look forward to welcoming you and your child back for another successful school year at BEEMS!

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB After three “Jurassic Park” movies and three “Jurassic World” movies, it seems the time has come to kickstart the “Jurassic” franchise again with “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I’ll give the franchise credit for recognizing that there was no need to continue with the Chris Pratt or Bryce Dallas Howard characters from the last three movies, who were widely seen as uninteresting. Even the more popular “classic” characters played by Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum are probably best taking this movie off after fans got sufficiently caught up with them in 2022’s “Jurassic World: Dominion.” Good on this movie for coming up with a new set of heroes. I can’t say I always cared for the story, action, or generally the movie around them, but the movie is better for having them. The most-talked-about scene in the movie is its cold open, where a carelessly-discarded candy bar wrapper leads to catastrophic results. It reminded me a lot of one of those convoluted “Final Destination” death sequences, but that didn’t do the movie any favors, all it did was make me wish I was watching one of those movies instead of this. I’m sure the intention here was to have a scene where funny and scary were well-balanced, and I suppose technically it succeeds by delivering very little of either. Soon after, we’re introduced to our new cast. Capable covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) is recruited by shady pharmaceutical rep Krebs (Rupert Friend) to lead a team to an island of mutant dinosaurs to collect DNA samples that can be combined to form a cure for heart disease. The team also includes Zora’s longtime colleague Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) and unemployed paleontologist Dr. Loomis (Jonathan Bailey). As the new leads travel to the island, we’re also introduced to a civilian family: father Reuben (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), younger daughter Isabella (Audrina Miranda), older daughter Teresa (Luna Blaise), and Xavier (David Iacano), Teresa’s hapless boyfriend. Their boat is capsized by ocean-based dinos and they need rescuing from Zora’s team, much to the chagrin of mission-focused Krebs. The groups are briefly brought together, then quickly separated again once they reach the island so they can go on disparate adventures. Said adventures include Zora’s group collecting samples from prehistoric creatures on land, sea, and air. It’s the “air” that proves the most challenging, as they have to scale a perilous cliff to get to the nest of a fearsome predator. The family needs only to survive the island, but they don’t have things any easier. They need to make it down a river, but not if a T-Rex has anything to say about it. For the climax, the survivors of the two groups reunite for a shared showdown with the vicious mutant dinosaur that escaped its enclosure at the beginning of the movie. I at least liked the design of the new Big Bad dinosaur, it’s got more going on than previous built-up surprises that usually just turned out to be variations on raptors. I liked the chemistry of the Johansson/Ali/Bailey team in “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I liked them so much, in fact, that I was annoyed whenever there was any business with dinosaurs that prevented them from casually interacting. The sailing family could have been cut from the movie entirely. I know the movie wanted to throw in some cute kids for the dinos to terrorize, but they’re bland, at times annoying, and they detract from the more interesting storyline. As for the dinosaurs and the action around them, it’s par for the course. Don’t worry, they’re here, but the special effects are wonky at times and nothing they do will be surprising to anyone familiar with this franchise. I can’t say that I strongly dislike this installment with its change-up in human leads, but this series, now on its seventh installment, is no longer the unique property that established itself as a pop culture institution in the 90’s. Grade: C “Jurassic World: Rebirth” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, bloody images, some suggestive references, language and a drug reference. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com The very thing that you dread and fear can keep you keep thinking about it. A lot, in fact. And that constant thinking can give way to obsessive anxiety. And then the obsessive anxiety and fear begin to take control of your days…and causing sleepless nights. Gradually, the lack of sleep can spiral you into depression, which easily saps your energy. Next thing you know you have lost your zest for your job, your family life, your romantic life… everyday living will seem colorless. Maybe there is a way to break this habit of destroying your own happiness and personal peace. Maybe you can learn to acknowledge and recognize a potential threat, but not let it turn into a paralyzing dread, to then become absolute soul-sucking fear. To put it in its place. If you have recognized yourself in these opening paragraphs, you’re flailing around in dark water and trying not to go down for the third time, then take heart. There actually are a few self-help exercises that are worth the effort. Do this for a few minutes: Review all the people, events, or circumstances that you have feared throughout your life. If I could persuade you to do this, I would like you to actually write them down. Then sit back and study them. Take the time to remember which ones became reality. You will likely find that most simply never came to pass. Yes, of course, some horrible things did occur, but many never actually came into your life. Realize this all-important fact.  “Most of those scary things that you fear? Never actually materialize. We simply let ourself live in fear of those things happening.” The next step is recognizing your negative-but-oh-so-entertaining thoughts, before they become fear and anxiety. The following is an example of disastrous thinking that leads you into that deep dark water. “What if all the constant fighting me and my husband are doing doesn’t get better, and we end up in a divorce? Hmmm, I guess I really ought to start preparing for being alone in life……Oh, @$%&$!!!  Is it possible that is  exactly  what he’s been doing? Getting his list together of things he plans to walk away with?  Well, he’s got another think a-comin!  I’m getting my own list of our financial assets together. I can’t let that scumbag take advantage of me! In fact, we’re having it out tonight, no way he’s taking more than his share!” See the negative progression, the self-fulfilling prophecy of her fearful thoughts? It is vital that you learn to recognize your negative thoughts, and then forcibly replace them with a totally different way of thinking about what you fear. Deliberately take control, before you cause an ending that didn’t have to happen. Self-fulfilling thinking is real, folks. So it’s definitely worth the effort to keep your thought life positive and try to help create a good ending for yourself. Or you can just let the opposite happen.

Change is in the air at Bolton Town Hall, where newly elected and appointed officials are settling into their roles with fresh ideas and a renewed focus on community progress. While Bolton remains proud of its deep roots and strong traditions, these new leaders are bringing with them a determination to build on that foundation and help the town grow in thoughtful, lasting ways. For many of these new faces, stepping into public service wasn’t about politics—it was about pride. Several are lifelong Bolton residents who felt called to give back to the place they’ve always called home. Others are newer to town but bring valuable experience and a passion for helping small communities thrive. Whether it’s their first term or their first time holding any kind of office, they are united by a shared goal: to make Bolton stronger for everyone who lives here. One of the first things on their minds is infrastructure. From potholes on side streets to drainage concerns during heavy rain, local leaders say these day-to-day issues matter because they affect quality of life. Plans are being discussed to prioritize road repairs, improve public spaces, and strengthen communication between the town and Hinds County for faster results. Another focus is community involvement. Several leaders want to see more residents at board meetings and more opportunities for neighbors to share ideas or concerns. They’re also looking at ways to improve how the town shares information—whether through updated signage, social media, or printed newsletters delivered to homes. Economic development is also high on the list. Town officials say they want to support local businesses and attract new ones, while still keeping the town’s small-scale charm. That could mean improving zoning regulations, making the permit process easier, or finding grants that help entrepreneurs launch or grow their ventures. For young people, the vision includes more activities, improved recreation spaces, and partnerships with local schools and churches to offer safe and engaging options outside the classroom. Leaders recognize that retaining younger families is key to Bolton’s future, and they’re thinking creatively about how to give them reasons to stay. These changes won’t happen overnight, and the new officials are quick to acknowledge that. But they also believe that even small steps—when taken with care and consistency—can lead to long-term progress. Their message to the community is clear: they’re here to listen, to work hard, and to build a Bolton that honors its past while preparing for the future. As Town Hall meetings resume with new voices at the table, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. The faces may be new, but the commitment to Bolton runs deep. And with time, trust, and teamwork, residents may begin to see the kind of changes that come not just from government—but from a community working together.

Bolton, Mississippi is the kind of place where neighbors wave from front porches, where the hum of cicadas fills quiet evenings, and where the sense of community is more than just a word—it’s a way of life. In a time when many rural towns struggle to hold onto their identity, Bolton stands as a reminder that small town charm doesn’t have to be lost in the face of change. Still, like every town, Bolton is not immune to the pressures of growth, development, and modernization. With new families moving in and younger generations taking interest in shaping their hometown’s future, the question becomes: how does a town grow while still keeping what makes it special? Town leaders say the key lies in balance. Preserving historical landmarks, supporting local businesses, and maintaining a focus on community-centered events are all part of the effort to protect Bolton’s heritage. At the same time, there’s recognition that updates are needed—better infrastructure, improved schools, and access to new technology all play a part in keeping the town thriving for future generations. Local residents often speak proudly of Bolton’s past while also expressing hope for what’s ahead. Some remember when the railroad still brought steady traffic through town, or when the grocery store on the corner was the place where everyone gathered. While those days may be behind us, the same spirit that carried Bolton through its early years is still present today. New projects, including upgrades to public spaces and roadways, are being planned with intention. Rather than chasing rapid change, Bolton aims to grow in a way that honors its roots. Local churches continue to serve as cornerstones of community life, and annual events bring families together in celebration of shared values. As the town looks to the future, leaders and residents alike are committed to making sure growth doesn’t come at the cost of identity. For Bolton, progress doesn’t mean replacing what works. It means strengthening it, one thoughtful step at a time. In a world that often moves too fast, Bolton is proof that you can honor the past, plan for the future, and still enjoy the quiet, steady rhythm of small-town life.

By: Kara Kimbrough Waldorf's Famous Fruity Chicken Salad is the perfect no-cook dinner.  I know what you’re thinking…how do you serve dinner without cooking…at least a little? I deliberately omitted the word “salad” from the headline so you’d keep reading. Believe it or not, there are salads that are substantial enough to satisfy even the pickiest (and heartiest) eaters. Salads filled with lots of crunch, a little meat for the carnivores and plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables are just the ticket when the heat is oppressive and turning on the oven to heat up an already-steamy kitchen is not an option.   My favorite of the three no-cook salads is Waldorf’s Famous Fruity Chicken Salad. Originally created at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1893 (some sources say 1896) by maître d'hôtel Oscar Tschirky, the recipe was much simpler than today’s versions. Filled with apples, celery and mayonnaise, it was delicious, but not much more than a basic fruit salad.    Over time, the Waldorf salad evolved to include walnuts, grapes and one of the best additions, chicken, with a mayonnaise dressing. Unlike many recipes originating in the 1800’s that have disappeared, this fruity, hearty salad has withstood the test of time.     Try each of these no-cook meals – and yes, salads – this summer. Unless you choose to toast the walnuts (not entirely necessary), the oven will stay off and the kitchen will actually be a pleasant place to visit.   Waldorf’s Famous Fruity Chicken Salad 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon balsamic or cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt or garlic salt 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped 2 ribs celery with leaves, diced 3 medium apples, cut into bite size cubes 1 cup red grape halves 1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)     Preheat oven to 350 degrees (skip this step and forgo toasting if you don’t want to use the oven!) Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast or 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.     In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, vinegar, lemon pepper and salt until combined.      Add the walnuts, chicken, celery, apples, grapes and raisins. Toss until coated.  Chill in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. Serve on lettuce leaves. Italian Chopped Salad For the Italian vinaigrette: 1 lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper For the salad:   2 heads romaine or green leaf lettuce, chopped  1/2 red onion, chopped 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 medium tomato, diced  6 ounces genoa salami, chopped  8 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped  1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers Fresh basil leaves, chopped         Make the dressing:  In a jar with a lid add the lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, sugar, oregano, olive oil, kosher, salt, and black pepper. Add the lid and shake for 10 seconds until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.       Note:  The vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s best served at room temperature. The dressing will separate and solidify in the fridge, so run the jar under some warm water and give it a shake to bring the dressing back to room temperature before serving.       Make the salad:  Add the chopped Romaine to a large bowl and drizzle with a few tablespoons of dressing. Top the romaine with the red onion, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers and basil. Stir together well before serving. Add more dressing, if desired. Crunchy Romaine Toss ¼ cup unsalted butter 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 (3 ounce) package uncooked ramen noodles, crushed 1 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped 1 bunch broccoli, coarsely chopped 2 green onions, chopped      Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and ramen noodles; cook and stir until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside until cooled.      Whisk vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Combine romaine lettuce, broccoli, walnut-ramen noodle mixture, and green onions in a large serving bowl. Add vinaigrette; toss to coat.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB        “F1: The Movie” takes viewers inside the exciting world of Formula One auto-racing. The director is Joseph Kosinski, best known for taking “Top Gun: Maverick” to the top of the yearly box office three years ago. Between that movie’s jets and this movie’s cars, it seems the man’s specialty is directing movies about things that go “whoosh.” And yes, this movie is best enjoyed in premium-format theaters (for me it was a Dolby) that can really give the audience a good taste of the whooshing. That is to say I got maximum enjoyment out of the whooshing cars and very little enjoyment out of everything else.             Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver whose career ended in a crash in the 90’s. Now he’s broke and lives out of his van, taking on freelance driving jobs whenever someone needs him in a pinch. As it happens, former rival-turned-friend Ruben (Javier Bardem), now a team owner, needs a driver in a pinch. His team hasn’t gotten a single top-ten finish all season and is in danger of being sold. Rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) has a lot of potential, but he’s consistently being bested by more experienced drivers. It takes some arm-twisting, but Sonny agrees to come aboard as Joshua’s teammate.             Sonny doesn’t fit in well at first. Most of team is European, he’s American. They’re up on the “current” Formula One, he’s been out of the game for 30 years. They’re high-strung, he’s easygoing, etc. He especially ruffles the feathers of Joshua, who sees him as a threat to his spot on the team, as well as lead engineer Kate (Kerry Condon), who thinks he isn’t cooperative with those who know better. Of course, by the end of the film, he’ll be these characters’ mentor and lover, obviously respectively.             How does Sonny win everybody over? By racing, of course. He has instincts that the others don’t, and is willing to try things that others won’t. Sometimes this means unconventional tricks with timing, sometimes this means exploiting loopholes in the rules and flirting with penalties (some will see his tactics as very unsportsmanlike), sometimes this means doing things that are extremely dangerous. But he’s never going to be the best if he plays things safe, and he’s obsessed with being the best.             Whether or not you like “F1: The Movie” comes down to two things: how much you like the Pitt performance and how much you like the racing scenes. To me, they both have the same problem: they’re top-notch at what they do, without impressing me much by doing it. Yes, Pitt is effortlessly charming, but he brings the same effortless charm to every role, and there’s little else to make the character unique. And I don’t just mean he’s not unique for a Brad Pitt character, I mean he’s not unique for this style of movie hero. I really felt like I was watching Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick,” maybe with a shade less dedication to the craft because I don’t think Pitt is putting his body through the wringer for all these racing scenes.             As for the racing, much like Pitt’s charisma, I certainly can’t call it incompetent. I’m sure they got everything right in painstaking, extremely difficult detail. But also like Pitt’s charisma, the film thinks its ability to nail Formula One driving carries it to greatness and it just doesn’t. In just the past few years, “Ford v Ferreri” and “Gran Turismo” gave me equally exciting racing sequences, and both had better stories to go around them. So I’ll put it this way: if you’ve gone a long time without seeing a Brad Pitt movie, a racing movie, or a “Top Gun” movie, and you’re willing to give this movie premium-format prices and over two and a half hours of your time, then you might get something out of “F1: The Movie.” Otherwise, steer clear of this one. Grade: C- “F1: The Movie” is rated PG-13 for strong language, and action. Its running time is 155 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .