The ham radio community is gearing up for a fun and informal gathering at the Quisenberry Library in Clinton, Mississippi, on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Whether you’re a licensed operator or just curious about amateur radio, you’re invited to join in on the camaraderie and conversation starting around 9 a.m. The library, located at 503-559 East Northside Drive, offers an ideal outdoor setting with ample parking and plenty of tall shade trees—perfect for stringing up wire antennas and setting up portable radio equipment. It’s conveniently located just west of the Indian Lanes Bowling Alley. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear, including batteries, radios, tuners, and antennas, as well as a chair, since outdoor seating is limited. While the real action is expected to begin at 9 a.m., some organizers plan to arrive a little earlier to get a head start on setting up. The event offers a chance for attendees to test their setups, exchange tips, and make HF, VHF, or UHF contacts. Even if you don’t have equipment of your own, you’ll still be able to get on the air with the help of others. Bathroom access will be available once the library opens, and the air conditioning inside will be a welcome relief from the Mississippi heat. Most of all, the goal is to have a good time, enjoy fellowship, and connect with others who share a passion for radio. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, organizers will reschedule for a later weekend. For now, mark your calendar and get your gear ready. The radios go live at 9 a.m. on July 19.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Quote; “I have been accused of being too hard on my sons. I totally disagree. Undisciplined boys become undisciplined men. Undisciplined men are found in prisons, hospitals and graveyards.” – Steve Harvey; comedian, author, actor, and television host. You’ve been around them, we all have. The parent who gazes adoringly at their little boy who is acting like a self-appointed detonated bomb. Using the tenderest tone of voice, they carefully speak to him, “Evan, please don’t do that, it’s not nice. Remember what I was telling you this morning, that a good little boy doesn’t try to cut the tail off of a kitten? And they never throw mud balls in the living room. Please be a good little Evan now, too.” Good Little Evan doesn’t even bother to look at Mommy as she is talking, and continues to terrorize the other three-year-olds in the room. But instead of jerking her son up and applying some well-aimed knowledge to his backside, she just sighs patiently. She looks at the now incredulous and angry adults around her and proudly says something in the way of, “Only three years old, and already Evan obviously is displaying the ability to be a born leader.” She then scornfully continues, “He simply  never  just does what he is told without thinking about it. He has a mind of his own.” Tossing her head and smiling smugly, she ends with, “And that, my friends, is the mark of a young man on his way to the top.” Thirteen years later; Born Leader Evan slouches in and stares defiantly at the judge in charge of the courtroom. His total contempt for any semblance of authority was obvious. Now leading his own neighborhood juvenile gang, he has fulfilled his proud Momma’s prediction years ago. The judge’s decree of three months in juvenile lockup followed by six months of probation changes nothing. Evan remains unrepentant, belligerent and determined to be his own man… a born leader racing down a very dark road. Ten years passes. Still a leader, still rebellious and angry, Born Leader Evan is the underground head of the inmates in a State Prison. But now his ‘leadership abilities’ are confined to leading in prison for the next twenty-five years. Unfortunately, statistics bear out the very real probability of this story being true in many young people’s lives. Your kids need firm guidance. They don’t like it, and they will complain bitterly. And tender-hearted, well-meaning but misguided adults will vehemently condemn you for being a firm parent with a strong arm and accurate aim.  But just remember, history backs you up. Kids with adults in their lives who give them firm, loving discipline have a much greater chance of becoming successful and productive as adults. And when they have kids of their own, most likely they will be parents who can pass along the same basics of life. Yes, I very much agree with Steve Harvey. And incidentally, those same teachings for rearing children are found in Scripture.

By: Kara Kimbrough This recipe isn’t actually used by Delmonico’s in New York City to create their famous steaks, one of which is pictured here, but the recipe does use the Delmonico cut of steak and is delicious in its own way. (Photo credit: Giada Paoloni for Delmonico's).                          We are only a little over halfway through 2025 and I’m already obsessed with a few things. I’m referring to new supermarket products I’ve discovered; restaurant meals I can’t stop dreaming about, destinations to which I must return and travel products that made my life easier during the first half of the year. In no particular order, here are a few of my top obsessions thus far: 1.    Breyer’s Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream -  It’s hot, so I’ll start with a cool treat that found a way to transform my favorite dessert – strawberry shortcake – into an ice cream. Whoever decided to combine delicious swirls of strawberries with creamy vanilla ice cream, along with the cake crumbles from Good Humor’s Strawberry Shortcake Bars is…a genius!  2.    Delmonico's Hash Browns  – Despite the present-day heat, my mind often wanders back to a very chilly January night in New York City. Jan. 21, to be exact...the night when I enjoyed one of the best meals of my life. I’ve shared details of my Delmonico’s dinner, including the outstanding salad, steak and baked Alaska. But it’s a simpler dish that I can’t stop thinking about. Delmonico’s hash browns...potatoes combined with a delectable cream sauce and cooked to a crispy finish in a cast iron skillet, then topped with crème fraiche and chives. It's a dish that I must sample again in order for my life to be complete. 3.    MoKo Double Eyeglass/Contact Lens Case  – If you’ve flown much since 9/11 changed air travel forever, you understand the stress of condensing all of your vital carry-on toiletry items down to miniscule 3-ounce sizes. Trying to ensure a tiny bottle of contact lens solution is safely in my carry-on, along with a lens case containing a spare set of contacts and another containing glasses in case of emergency is stressful indeed. Imagine my excitement at finding a compact, two-sided case with space for glasses on one side, contact lens case and small solution bottle within TSA guidelines and a built-in mirror on the other. Everything fits in one handy case! I rarely order items from Amazon, but this is one product I couldn’t resist.   4.   Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey  – One of the most stressful things about cooking a turkey is the defrosting process. It can be days before the chunk of frozen meat is defrosted enough to cook, causing unnecessary stress during the holidays. Butterball finally got with the program, inventing its “Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey.” This new and improved turkey doesn’t need to be thawed before roasting, eliminating days of waiting before baking. Now, unwrap and roast…that’s it! There’s even a special brine that helps the turkey retain its moisture, resulting in a tender, golden-brown turkey.     5.    Trot Pets Bowl Set  - Speaking of travel, making sure our furry, four-legged friends are happy and well taken care of while we’re out of town is a vital part of any trip. I found a complete set of food and water bowls with compact lids, along with a matching non-slip mat, that I can fill with Teddy’s favorite food and give to my pet-sitter. This makes things much easier on the sitter, who often has a house full of other dogs to keep separated at meal time. Knowing he will feel at home when served meals from his handy, dishwasher-safe set alleviates unnecessary stress for everyone, especially Teddy. To order a set, go to:  trotpets.com . 6.    Gulf Islands National Seashore  – I’ve experienced my fair share of gorgeous sandy beaches and multi-colored gulf waters, but a new one caught and held my interest this year: Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola. This stunning, peaceful national park contains more unspoiled, natural beauty than almost any other place I’ve visited. Miles of pristine, largely-uninhabited beaches fronting mesmerizingly-blue gulf water transported me to a private island experience. There's even an historic lighthouse in the distance to complete the picturesque scene. It's an otherworldly place that I’m longing to revisit.  7.    Beau Rivage’s Breakfast Buffet  – I wasn’t expecting breakfast to eclipse the previous evening’s meal at Coraline's, but that’s almost what happened during a recent visit to the luxurious Biloxi resort. I decided to stop by the breakfast buffet on my way out for what I though would be a quick bite. I was surprised to find a wonderland of delicious breakfast items, ranging from traditional dishes like pancakes, waffles, bacon and eggs, fruit, biscuits and gravy and related items, to elevated ones like made-to-order omelets. Eggs Benedict, cheese grits and a plethora of homemade pastries. And the piece de resistance? Hot beignets made fresh for each diner. As I sipped a cup of steaming black coffee in between bites of the flaky, powdery treat, I “almost” felt like I was dining at New Orleans’ Café du Monde.         I’m still searching for a recipe that’s “close” to Delmonico’s hash browns; when I do, I’ll share it with you. If you visit New York City, I highly recommend booking a reservation at this historic restaurant and sampling them for yourself, along with one of their famous steaks.        In the meantime, I was excited to find a recipe for a version of Delmonico steak. The recipe mainly referred to the cut of steak – Delmonico – not the restaurant. While it was delicious, it didn’t quite live up to the original, but it’ll suffice until I get back to NYC. When I arrive, my first stop will be at, you guessed it…Delmonico’s.   Delmonico Steak with Onions and Steak Sauce 4 (1-inch) Delmonico steaks, 8-10 ounces each 2 teaspoons extra- virgin olive oil Steak seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, or coarse salt and pepper Onions: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 large yellow skinned onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Steak sauce: 1-1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, half a turn of the pan 2 cloves garlic, chopped  1 small white boiling onion, chopped  1/4 cup dry cooking sherry  1 cup canned tomato sauce  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce  Black pepper      Heat a heavy grill pan or griddle pan over high heat. Wipe hot grill or griddle with extra-virgin olive oil. Cook steaks 6 minutes on each side for medium doneness, 8 minutes for medium well. Season steaks with steak seasoning or salt and pepper and remove to a warm platter to allow the meat to rest.           To make onions: Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes, until onions are soft and sweet. Add balsamic vinegar to the pan and turn onions in vinegar until vinegar cooks away and glazes onions a deep brown color, 3 to 5 minutes.    To make steak sauce:  Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add oil, garlic and onions and sauté 5 minutes until onion bits are tender. Add sherry to the pan and combine with onions. Stir in tomato sauce and Worcestershire and season with black pepper. To serve, top steaks with onions and drizzle steak sauce down over the top, reserving half of the sauce to place on the table. (Recipe from RachaelRay.com ). Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Special to The Bolton News Just beyond the quiet streets of Bolton lies a peaceful escape that many in the area are only beginning to discover. The Ergon Nature Trail, tucked away near the edge of town, offers visitors a chance to step into the calm of Mississippi’s natural beauty without venturing far from home. The trail, surrounded by native trees and winding under a canopy of green, has become a favorite spot for walkers, birdwatchers, and families looking for a quiet retreat. Though simple in its layout, the trail’s charm lies in its natural setting. Gentle slopes, shaded paths, and the occasional call of birds overhead create an atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of daily life. Local residents have noted the peacefulness the trail provides. Early mornings often bring joggers or quiet strollers enjoying the cooler hours, while weekends draw small groups and families taking advantage of the open space. Benches placed along the path offer moments to pause, reflect, or simply enjoy the breeze rustling through the trees. The Ergon Nature Trail also serves as a quiet classroom for area students and nature lovers. Teachers and homeschool groups have used it as an outdoor learning space, identifying plant life, observing insects, and learning about Mississippi’s native ecosystems. The trail’s accessibility makes it especially appealing for all ages. Though modest in scale, the trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, allowing both casual visitors and more experienced hikers to enjoy the space safely. Efforts by local volunteers and community groups have helped keep the path clean and welcoming, and there’s growing interest in hosting occasional clean-up days or nature walks to encourage more use. For Bolton, the Ergon Nature Trail is more than just a walking path. It’s a reminder of the value of green spaces in small towns, offering a connection to the land that is both personal and shared. As more people discover it, the trail continues to grow quietly into one of Bolton’s most treasured natural spots—a place where residents can slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the simple beauty of the outdoors.

By: Bob Garver   Poster Credit IMDB It has been 23 years (not 28, somewhat frustratingly) since British audiences were first introduced to the mind-and-body-ravaging Rage virus in “28 Days Later.” The virus turned everyone it affected into zombies, known as The Infected, obsessed not so much with feeding as with turning more people into zombies. The film’s heroes had a hard time evading The Infected, and then just when it looked like they were safe, they had to deal with the degenerate humans that had appointed themselves to power after the collapse of civilization. The Infected were still at large five years later in “28 Weeks Later” and humanity was more monstrous than ever. Nothing interesting must have happened 28 months later from the events of that film, because the series skipped right over it. Instead, it jumps to 28 years later, when older children and even adults have never known a world not affected by The Infected. Teenager Spike (Alfie Williams) lives what passes for a normal life on an island off the coast of Scotland that can’t be reached by The Infected because of high tides. His father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is a hero to both family and community, going on dangerous missions to the mainland to gather supplies and kill Infected, who are just as ravenous as ever. His mother Isla (Jodie Comer) is bedridden with an illness different than the Rage virus, yet still causing her great suffering both physically and mentally. She desperately needs a doctor, but there isn’t one on the island, and Jamie warns Spike not to seek out the one setting fires on the mainland. Jamie takes Spike to the mainland, where he tries to train his son to fend off and kill Infected as best he can. Unfortunately, the Infected are so aggressive and numerous that the lesson has to be cut short in the name of just trying to stay alive. The two barely make it back to the island. Spike failed at every turn during the excursion, but Jamie tells the town that his son was competent and brave. At first, Jamie’s lies putting over his son don’t seem so bad, but then Spike catches onto more lies, and the bond of trust is broken. Thinking that his father might also be lying about the trustworthiness of the doctor, Spike persuades Isla to come with him to the mainland, even though he has minimal survival training. Will Spike and/or Isla survive long enough to reach the doctor? Ralph Fiennes is billed in the film’s advertising, and he doesn’t seem to be playing a resident of the island, so… he’ll probably turn out to be the doctor, which means at least one character will have to meet him. That predictable aspect aside, this is a movie worth taking seriously. Director Danny Boyle is just as good with his worldbuilding here as he was with a ransacked London over 20 years ago. “28 Days Later” was my first exposure to eventual Oscar-winner Boyle (and eventual Oscar-winning star Cillian Murphy, for that matter), and even with a genre that doesn’t usually lend itself well to awards, he still managed to immediately prove to me that he was one of the most gifted filmmakers in the industry. The glut of zombie media since then has over-saturated me on the concept, which is why I couldn’t work up the same enthusiasm for this film that I could for the original, even though Boyle hasn’t lost a single step. “28 Years Later” is still visually spectacular, excitingly edited, occasionally funny and touching, and successfully scary. I know that a follow-up called “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is scheduled for next January, so I won’t have to wait long, but if I didn’t know about that film, I’d say that I didn’t want to wait another 28 years to get another one of these. Grade: B “28 Years Later” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, graphic nudity, language, and brief sexuality. Its running time is 115 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Sick and tired of trying to teach little Johnny how to be potty trained, instead of leaving a tell-tale path of stain everywhere he goes? Exhausted from the constant battle to teach your two little warrior-siblings to learn to love each other and not try to kill each other every day? Ready to just toss in the towel and let those kids just live exactly how they please, because you are too sick of it all to care anymore? Could be, but sorry, you don’t have the right to walk away and let them live any way they choose. And not just for their sake. For the sake of the nation. Parents, you cannot afford to get lazy. To not firmly discipline the generation after you. Whatever we parents teach them, or fail to teach them, are the only things our kids will have learned. And what they have learned about functioning in life is the only things they can possibly pass on to their children and grandchildren to come. And don’t say, “That’s ridiculous, I’m not their only source of learning, they are surrounded by school-teachers, friends, and (God forbid) our government programs to give them training.” Mom and Dad, they are YOURS and therefore  your  total responsibility, not the schools or the government. Neglected kids are going to grow up and reproduce. They will replicate what they have learned, and think it is normal and natural. And if you are a lazy parent, your kids will only know how to be lazy, uncaring, and self-serving people. Might as well teach them that they are not humans, they are pigs. If every parent acts like that, our country will soon have pigs running the schools, the government, and parenting families. Those pigs will teach their babies how to be pigs. And human behavior, the way God intended His created humans to behave, will be lost forever. Think I am being ridiculous and a fear-monger? Yes, I am exaggerating purposely. But let me ask you; What happens if a baby is never encouraged to learn to speak? What happens when a toddler is never taught that it is wrong to hit and bite other toddlers? Answer: That behavior continues. And that is what I am saying. A few hundred years later, and that standard will be all that our nation will know. Because generations pass on exactly what they have lived. Parents and grandparents, you do not have the right to raise your kids any way you please. Yes, of course, your children are yours to love and guide and discipline. But if all of us choose to raise our kids without any morals and discipline, just because we have that right, then in just a few generations we will have grunting, rooting-in-the-mud pig leaders of our families and our good ol’ USA. Scary picture. It's past time to grow up, man up, and become real parents who teach their kids to be human. Oink, oink.

The Mississippi Farmers Market will host its annual Summer Kick-Off event on Saturday, June 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This family-friendly celebration will feature live demonstrations, summertime staples, select Genuine MS® members, and food options that highlight the best of Mississippi agriculture. Shoppers can enjoy product demos from the Mississippi Spice Company and a visit from the popular Grumpy Man, who will be sampling his signature pickles and sauces. A planting demonstration will also be led by Sabrina S. Fields, Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, who will provide tips on growing fruits and vegetables in home gardens, including beginner containers and raised beds. In coordination with the planting demo, Fields will lead a small educational discussion at 8:00 a.m. to promote diabetes prevention and healthy eating habits. Attendees will learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program and ways to incorporate fresh, local produce into everyday meals. Additional offerings at the market include fresh produce, meat and dairy products and other staple goods, as well as cookout and BBQ-style foods from the Market Cafe that are perfect for weekend gatherings. "This event is a great way to celebrate the start of summer while supporting local farmers and vendors," said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. "Learning how to grow your own healthy foods, and buying fresh and local foods, are key ingredients to Making Mississippi Healthy Again. We invite the public to come out, learn something, buy something, and enjoy the day with us." The Mississippi Farmers Market, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday and on select Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For additional information about the Mississippi Farmers Market, visit  www.msfarmersmarket.com  or follow the Mississippi Farmers Market on Facebook, Instagram and X.

By: Kara Kimbrough Berry Patriotic Cheesecake Fluff Salad is the easiest possible dessert to make for a Fourth of July gathering, but you wouldn’t know that from the creamy, delicious taste.   The Fourth of July is only a few days away, so the first thing I did was check the extended weather forecast. Yep...it’s going to be a scorcher.     Even though I did pick up a new charcoal grill the other day simply because it was on sale post-Memorial Day AND already assembled, I doubt I’ll be standing out in the heat grilling anything on the 4th. However, every traditional Fourth of July meat – burgers, hot dogs and my favorite, ribs – can be baked in the oven and here’s the important part – tastes almost as good as if they’d been grilled over an open flame.   To get a jump on your holiday meal planning, I’m sharing recipes for my favorite oven-baked ribs, an old-fashioned macaroni salad that piqued my interest after watching vintage videos of Martha Stewart making one and last, a fluffy, delicious and patriotic cheesecake salad that requires no baking. If there are other patriotic food items you’d like to make, drop me an email and I’ll share a few recipes from my files.      Happy Fourth of July!     Oven-Baked 4th of July-Worthy Ribs  (Serves 6-8) 6 pounds pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs) ½ cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups barbecue sauce      Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Rinse and pat dry the ribs; remove the silver skin from the bone side. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.      Drizzle olive oil over the ribs and coat evenly with the dry rub mixture. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). Place wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and bake for 3 hours. Unwrap ribs, brush with barbecue sauce, and bake uncovered at 375 degree for an additional 20 minutes until caramelized.   Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Macaroni Salad 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced about 1/2 a small onion 1/4 cup finely diced Dill pickles about 1 small pickle 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped (optional) 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper      Cook the pasta according to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, dill pickles, and chopped egg. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until well-combined.      Pour the dressing mixture over the macaroni mixture and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.   Berry Patriotic Cheesecake Fluff Salad 2  cups miniature marshmallows 16 ounces vanilla yogurt (I used fat free Greek yogurt) 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (1 tub, you can use the lite version if desired) 1 package (11.2 ounces) no-bake cheesecake mix 2  cups sliced strawberries (extras for topping) 2  cups blueberries (extras for topping)        In a large bowl, mix all ingredients (except the graham cracker crumbs that may have been included with your cheesecake mix). Top with extra strawberry slices and blueberries. Serve immediately, or store covered in the refrigerator.   Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages firework safety this Independence Day.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , injuries from fireworks have increased overall between 2008 and 2023. “It’s up to you to implement safety standards when shooting fireworks at home,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “That means using common sense, never pointing fireworks at another person, and disposing of fireworks in water to prevent fire.” To avoid injury, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. Never give fireworks to small children. Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. Observe local laws. Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows that are performed on state-owned properties. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit IMDB After three weeks of domination by the Disney live-action remake “Lilo & Stitch,” it’s time for the top spot at the domestic box office to be taken over by the Dreamworks live-action remake “How to Train Your Dragon.” It feels like it’s too soon to do a remake of a movie from only 15 years ago (Disney has yet to do one from inside of 20 years), but the studio has to promote a new attraction at the Universal Orlando theme park. Movies are always a business, of course, but this one’s existence seemed to be especially motivated by money-grubbing. Fortunately, the quick turnaround means that some of the creative voices of the original, like writer/director Dean DeBlois (also a writer/director of the 2002 “Lilo & Stitch”) are still around to work on this movie, leading to much of the original’s charm being retained. The story remains the same: young Viking Hiccup (Mason Thames) desperately wants to impress his chief father, Stoick (Gerard Butler, also carrying over from the original), who seems to care more about killing dragons than his own son. Using a crude homemade weapon, Hiccup manages to hit a dreaded Night Fury, which crash-lands miles away. But nobody sees either the hit or the dragon, and Hiccup is regarded as a nuisance around his island homeland, including by his crush Astrid (Nico Parker). Hiccup is soon remanded to dragon-hunting training under family friend Gobber (Nick Frost). It looks like Hiccup will screw that up like he screws up everything else, when he discovers the Night Fury wounded on an uninhabited part of the island. He has the opportunity to finish off the dragon, but he just can’t kill the scared creature. Instead he befriends the dragon, which he names Toothless, in the process learning about dragons and how to train them for a mutually-beneficial relationship. This makes him a standout in his hunting class, and even his father starts showing him rare affection. There’s potential for him to graduate at the top of his class, which will earn him a ceremony where he “gets” to kill a dragon in front of his father and the whole tribe. The problem is that he no longer wants to kill dragons, knowing from Toothless that humans and dragons can co-exist. What can he do to make everybody happy? It worked to the film’s advantage that I’d forgotten a lot about the original since I last saw it. I remembered the broad strokes, obviously the dragon gets trained, but I mostly just remembered the original for being sweet, having a cool visual style, and most of the jokes landing, even if I forgot what most of those jokes were. The new film is sweet, it has a cool visual style (Toothless’s big green eyes are as adorable as ever), and most of the jokes land. “How to Train Your Dragon” isn’t immune to some of the problems that notoriously plague live-action remakes of animated films. Certain visual gags don’t work well without the fluid movements of animation. It can be distracting that much of the cast, especially the teenagers, are clearly kids raised in the modern era. And I had to grit my teeth while Stoick had to learn the same lessons about communication all over again. But the movie pulled itself up to a recommendation with its stunning visual style and undeniable heart. I don’t want Dreamworks to get too reliant on the live-action remake formula (and Disney is welcome to buck the trend whenever they want), but in this instance, they did it pretty well. Grade: B- “How to Train Your Dragon” is rated PG for sequences of intense action and peril. Its running time is 125 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com That would definitely be wonderful, wouldn’t it? To have total amnesia regarding the awful things you have said or done in your past. To not remember the hurt you have caused, and the shame you have brought on yourself. If everyone had that rare ability to be totally honest about their life, you would find there is one thing that we all have in common.  We all have regrets about our past. And that is because we all have something else in common – we are human, and awfully self-centered and stupid. I have yet to find the person who looked me in the eye and said, “No, I’ve never said or done even one little thing that I regret. There has never been a night when I have lost five minutes of sleep, thinking and wishing I hadn’t done something at some point.” But if you are that one-in-a-jillion who actually can say that, then please, contact me on our website, I would absolutely love to talk with you. You would be the one person to prove the Bible to be wrong when it says, “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;   no one does good, not even one.” You will find that verse in Romans 3:12, should you be interested. So. Who am I talking about when I say ‘Help me to forget what you can’t remember?”  And why should that phrase that became a song title even be important to you? Simple stuff. Here is why. There truly is a living God, with absolute authority and power over your life and mine. And He hates sin – the things that you and I do that brings on pain and shame. Your Creator has a memory that never fails – He never forgets what you and I have done. With one exception. He promises to forgive and forget the sin of the one who confesses being a sinner, and begs Him to help them be better. “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” You can find that  promise in Hebrews 8:12, should you be interested. Something else you need to know. God didn’t have  to forgive; He chose  to forgive. But He put this strict requirement on His forgiveness – you have to ask. But even if you took God at His word, that He would forgive you and promise to not remember your sins ever again, how would that help you to quit reliving those bad things in your life? To actually relax and finally feel good about yourself? Answer: You have to realize that certain part of your life is totally forgiven and forgotten -so why drag up non-existent garbage to torture yourself? And you probably will have to realize it over and over again, until you finally learn that God meant what He said. That His promise is true and real for you.

Recently, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the completion of statewide Operation Safe Online Summer, which resulted in 11 arrests and one victim rescued. "Summer break is in full swing for many Mississippians, and our children are spending more time on screens," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. "My office is working hard to protect our young people wherever they are – including online, but it is important for parents to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect the kids they love. Together, we can make Mississippi a safer place for everyone." Mississippi's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force completed Operation Safe Online Summer which led to execution of 53 state and 3 federal search warrants, issuance of 28 state and 3 federal subpoenas, investigations of 33 citizen complaints and Cybertips, 11 arrests, and 1 child victim rescued from ongoing abuse. ICAC investigators examined more than 16 Terabytes of data, including 17 computers, 60 cell phones/tablets, and 16 pieces of other digital storage. The Attorney General's Office runs the state's ICAC Task Force, comprised of nearly 90 law enforcement agencies and 145 law enforcement personnel from across the state to address threats to Mississippi's children. In addition, during the operation, AGO and ICAC affiliates engaged in 12 community presentations and activities to raise awareness of online safety tips. Actively engaging in discussions about online safety with children at an early age and continuing the conversation over time can assist them as they learn to better navigate the online world. The following topics may assist families as they facilitate conversations about enhancing your child's cyber safety: Elementary School-Age Children: Review Digital Games, Apps, and Social Media Sites  before they are downloaded and pay close attention to apps and sites that utilize end-to-end encryption features, direct messaging options, video chats, file uploads, and user anonymity, which are often exploited by online child predators. Adjust Privacy Settings and Use Parental Controls  for online games, apps, social media sites, and electronic devices. Exercise additional caution if allowing access to gaming platforms, as they can expose children to cyberbullying, scams, predators, and inappropriate content. Supervise Young Children's Use of the Internet and Gaming Platforms , including checking their profiles and posts on a periodic basis. Store electronic devices in open areas of common use and consider implementing time limits for their use of the devices. Encourage Children to Tell a Parent, Guardian, or Other Trusted Adult  if anyone asks them to engage in inappropriate behavior. Middle School and High School-Age Children: Establish the Importance of Online Privacy  by emphasizing the dangers of sharing personal information, photos, and videos online, especially in public forums or with individuals they do not know in real life. Educate them on the permanency of posting images online, as they are accessible online permanently once posted. Teach Children About Body Safety and Boundaries , including the importance and use of saying 'no' to inappropriate requests in the physical and virtual world. Develop Healthy Skepticism  by emphasizing the ability to challenge the authenticity and intentions of what they see and read in online posts, messages, forums, and social media sites. Urge them to be wary of fake accounts that may pose as their peers and use fake, but convincing, photos and videos to share pictures and videos of themselves. Be Alert to Potential Signs of Abuse , including changes in children's demeanor, behavior, emotional state or warning signs of anxiety and depression, and any changes in their use of electronic devices or efforts to conceal online activity. Adolescents and Young Adults: Reinforce Strong Online Habits  including robust passwords, two-factor authentication, utilizing a password manager, and completing routine system updates on devices and operation systems. Build Upon Privacy Lessons  and emphasize how oversharing personal information on social media sites can lead to potential adverse effects. Avoid Dangerous Distractions  through the responsible use of devices while driving. Be Vigilant Against Scams  that are prevalent on advertisements which appear on shopping platforms, social media sites, and web browsers, and can lead to fraudulent sales of defective or counterfeit items or to non-delivery of items. Protecting Against Phishing  schemes in texts, emails, and social media posts where individuals are impersonating a trusted individual or organization and trick users into providing login credentials, sending money through CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo, or unknowingly installing malware on devices. In 2023, Attorney General Fitch launched  Be Aware Before You Share , a campaign to raise awareness of social media's dangerous impact on children's mental and physical wellbeing. You can find resources like the  Guide to Internet Safety for Parents  and  Safety Tips for Children  by visiting  AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com . If you have information about a child being sexually exploited online, please report it to 1-800-843-5678. You can also make a report online at  www.cybertipline.org . The hotline is manned by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and tips are reported to the Attorney General's Office.