By: Bob Garver      Poster Credit IMDB        If “A Minecraft Movie” is the commercial hit that 2025 needed, then “Sinners” is the creative hit it needed. Writer/director Ryan Coogler has delivered a film that starts off as a compelling-enough 1930’s period piece before wildly shifting into supernatural territory. But the later developments don’t devalue the efforts made in the setup, they simply put the well-established characters on a path they didn’t anticipate. Speaking of anticipation, I’m going to be vague with story developments so readers can go into this movie anticipating little more than an unspecified good time.             Frequent Coogler collaborator Michael B. Jordan stars as twins Smoke and Stack, a pair of wannabe gangsters returning to their hometown in Mississippi after limited success in Chicago. They purchase an old sawmill and immediately set about turning it into a nightclub. They get help from old acquaintances, like Smoke’s occultist ex-wife Annie (Wunmi Mosaku) to cook and wife-pleasing field worker Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) to work security. Entertainment in the club is important too, which is why they recruit lushy pianist Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo) and their timid cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to play guitar. Sammie’s preacher father warns him that he’ll lose his soul at the club, but promises of music, money, and making moves on a married singer (Jayme Lawson) are too great to resist.             Word of the club spreads quickly, and soon the whole town is excited for the grand opening. Even Stack’s tough-talking ex-girlfriend Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) shows up for the occasion, barely let in by Cornbread due to her whiteness, though he relents because she’s a community staple. It’s even harder to gain entry for Irish stranger Remmick (Jack O’Connell). He’s been lured to the club by Sammie’s playing, which is so good that it has taken on supernatural powers. Though ostensibly only there to play banjo, Remmick has ulterior motives that will drastically change the course of the movie.             Again, the movie is pretty good even before Remmick shows up. Jordan has engaging chemistry with everyone, including and especially himself. Everything is top-notch technically, from the costumes to the camera work to the seamless effects that allow for two Michael B. Jordans at once. But things really get turned up a notch when Remmick arrives and the other shoe drops. And Remmick’s shoe really does drop, in a way, because… the genre shift I’ve been teasing isn’t “musical,” but there is a jig.             The rest of the movie closely follows the tropes of the kind of movie it has become. But because there was such an elaborate setup, it seems like all bets are off, even though there are actually very few surprises to those familiar with the genre after a certain point. The characters make some questionable decisions that make me want to rhetorically ask if they’ve ever seen this kind of movie before. Then I have to remind myself that this is the 1930’s and no, they probably haven’t.             “Sinners” is above average as a period piece and roughly average as what I can safely call a “thriller.” But what really makes it special is the way it combines the two genres, or at least that in combination with Coogler’s sharp creative voice. I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this film represents the kickoff of the 2025 Oscars race. It’s not like there isn’t precedent – “Get Out,” another Black-led “thriller” with a “Black Panther” connection, scored a Best Picture nomination for 2017 with a February opening, meaning that the Academy has to remember “Sinners” for two fewer months. I’m not saying that I’m ready to hand this movie the Oscar, but it’s hard to picture a race where this movie wouldn’t be a worthy contender.  Grade: B  “Sinners” is rated R for strong bloody violence, sexual content and language. Its running time is 137 minutes.  Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Central Hinds Academy is set to celebrate the hard work and achievements of its student-athletes during the annual Sports Awards Ceremony, taking place Monday, April 28, at 8:45 a.m. in the school gym. The event will recognize athletes from across all sports for their dedication, teamwork, and performance throughout the school year. From football to softball, basketball to track, each program will highlight standout moments and honor individuals for their contributions both on and off the field. Coaches will present awards for leadership, sportsmanship, most valuable players, and other team-specific honors. The ceremony is a school-wide tradition that not only spotlights athletic success, but also builds community pride and encourages younger students to pursue excellence in sports. Parents, families, and friends are invited to attend and support the athletes as they are recognized for their efforts. Central Hinds Academy encourages all attendees to arrive early to ensure seating and to show full support for this year’s honorees. The Sports Awards Ceremony is a testament to the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded students and celebrating accomplishments in every arena.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Let me give my personal baseline right here at the beginning, and then jump headlong from that starting point. God is the giver of life. He has a plan for every life He creates. And He says it is a good plan. Although, God says life is worth living, it is absolutely true that at times, it can seem to get almost unbearable. A person can suffer so much that eventually they begin to doubt whether staying alive is worth it. Hopelessness and anger can spur thoughts like, “If God is as loving as preachers like to say that He is, why has He let life be this way for me?”  They can then walk even further down that dark path; “Is there really even a God out there? And if there is, my hopeless life is definite proof that He doesn’t watch or even care about people suffering.” Craving release from their emotional or physical pain, somewhere in the midst of all that agony, they begin to entertain thoughts of taking their life. After all, if they are a believer in an eternity with the God who created them, they feel they would be much better off with Him. And if they are not a believer, they simply want The End of everything for themselves. “Not existing at all has to be better than this hell I am enduring.” But a desperate person is blinded to two real truths; No one is able to see around the corner into the future.  Life circumstances can, and often do change.  Plus, there is no way to know or understand what God has in mind using their present pain. Only later can they realize what He was accomplishing. Another truth; Suicide leaves in its wake unanswered questions, unresolved issues and hurting people . Suicide is an escape for one, but a permanent pit for those who loved them. But at this point, I offer a plea; Do not judge that person who chose to commit suicide . God alone is worthy to be their judge, not you or me. We do not know nor understand the tremendous pain that caused their decision.  Please realize there must have been enormous depression involved. We need to remember that they felt absolutely hopeless and alone. Lastly, if someone admits to you that they are thinking of suicide, there are a few important things you can do; Offer to listen without condemning or criticizing them. Acknowledge you do not have all the answers, but passionately repeat that you do care about them. Offer to help them find a qualified counselor.  If they convince you by their words and behavior that they are definitely in trouble, ask if they have a plan in place. Seek gently for details about actually carrying it out. Many who have given up on life getting any better will have spent some time seriously strategizing how they are going to die. Call 988 if you are convinced the person is truly in danger.

The Hinds County Department of Public Works is inviting residents to participate in Rural Hinds County Dumpster Day, scheduled for Friday, April 26, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This community cleanup initiative is designed to give residents the opportunity to declutter their homes and properties, dispose of unwanted items responsibly, and contribute to cleaner neighborhoods throughout the county. With a focus on encouraging civic engagement and environmental responsibility, Dumpster Day allows residents to engage in neighborhood cleanups and litter pickups while utilizing county-provided dumpsters to dispose of large or bulky waste. The initiative not only supports environmental stewardship but also strengthens the sense of community among residents who come together to improve the appearance and quality of their surroundings. Dumpsters will be available at three convenient locations across the county: 4699 St. Thomas Road in Bolton, 600 Wallace Drive in Edwards, and 1452 Bolton-Brownsville Road in Bolton. These strategic placements ensure easy access for participants throughout the rural areas of Hinds County. Officials emphasize that maintaining a clean and pleasant environment is a shared responsibility. Events like Dumpster Day play a vital role in promoting health, safety, and pride in rural communities. The Hinds County Department of Public Works encourages residents to take full advantage of this opportunity to clean up, clear out, and make a visible impact in their neighborhoods.

By: Kara Kimbrough Tiramisu dip is the perfect appetizer when paired with ladyfingers or sugar cookies for dipping.  It’s spring, which means summer is on the horizon. As soon as warm weather arrives, pool parties, cookouts and other social events offer the perfect opportunity to serve chips, crackers, sliced vegetables – well, almost anything, r4ally, with a big bowl or two of dip. I’ve never met a dip I didn’t like and I don’t see that changing. Even better, a dip with the name of my favorite snack cracker – Chicken in a Bisket, of course – has arrived on the scene, promising to bring just as much enjoyment as its namesake cracker. Some of my favorite dips are French onion, Tzatziki (Mediterranean), baked crabmeat, spinach and artichoke, hummus, smoked salmon and cream cheese, caramelized onion, olive tapenade, loaded baked potato…I could go on, but you get the idea…I love a good dip. Even though I possess an arsenal of delicious dip recipes, I’m always open to adding more. Besides this week’s find of the Chicken in a Bisket dip, I tried one reminiscent of my favorite New Orleans sandwich, a muffaletta. Filled with the same meats and cheeses, it’s a little bit of N’Awlins on a cracker. And last, boring fruit dip will be replaced this summer with exciting tiramisu dip, a takeoff of the decadent dessert by the same name. Pair it with sliced apples, ladyfingers or sugar cookies for a simple, yet memorable appetizer or even a light dessert. Chicken in a Bisket-Inspired Dip 1 cup mayonnaise 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened 1 5-ounce can of chicken meat (packed in water,) drained or 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded 1 tablespoon dried chives 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Chicken in a Biskit Crackers for serving Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mayo, chicken, chives, and Worcestershire sauce until combined. Refrigerate until ready to eat. Serve with Chicken in a Biskit crackers N’Awlins Favorite Sandwich Dip 1 8-ounces cream cheese, softened ½ cup mayonnaise, (add more to taste for a creamier dip 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon garlic salt 2 slices Genoa salami, chopped fine 2 slices cooked ham, chopped fine 2 slices pepperoni, chopped fine 1 cup Boscoli Family Italian Olive Salad 1 cup  shredded provolone cheese ¼ cup shredded Parmesan 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers (optional, or to use as garnish) Large plain round bread Crackers for serving In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt; stir well to combine. Add meats, cheeses and Italian salad (and peppers, if desired). Leaving a 1-inch border, cut out center of bread and scoop out the center to make a bread bowl. Tear or cut scooped out bread into 1" pieces. Place bread bowl and bread pieces on a baking sheet. Fill bread bowl with dip. Bake dip, removing bread pieces if they start to get too dark, until warmed through, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve with crackers. Tiramisu Dip 8-ounce cream cheese, softened 8-ounce Greek yogurt or sour cream 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, plus a little extra for sprinkling 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder Final additions: 1 pint of whipping or double cream 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder and espresso powder until smooth. Finally, whip the heavy cream with the remaining confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold most of it (leaving a small amount for topping) into the cheese mixture. Spoon into a serving dish and dust top with cocoa powder. Serve with sliced fruit, ladyfingers or other favorite cookies for dipping.

The road to progress begins with community connection, and Bolton residents are invited to come out and meet the Democratic candidates who hope to lead the town into its next chapter. On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM, join the conversation at High Horse (250 Bolton-Raymond Rd, Bolton, MS 39041) for an evening of engagement, ideas, and local pride. This special meet-and-greet event will feature Mr. Calvin Thomas , running for Alderman at-large , and Mrs. Alisa Butler-Kidd , candidate for Mayor of Bolton . It’s a chance for residents to hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the town, the values they stand for, and how they plan to work for a brighter future for all who call Bolton home. The evening is hosted by the Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee and serves as a welcoming space for open dialogue and community connection. Whether you’re new to town or a lifelong resident, your voice matters in shaping Bolton’s future. Your vote. Your voice. Your Bolton.  Come be part of the movement.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB             After a mere two weekends, “A Minecraft Movie” has claimed the top spot of the 2025 domestic box office. It’s not shocking that this franchise piece beat out January fare, but since then we’ve had an MCU entry and this movie just blew right past it. And I have to ask: Why? Okay, I know why. It’s because the video game is popular. But bad movies based on popular video games flop all the time, why is this one in particular bucking the trend? Does the video game just have that big of a fanbase that they can turn it into a hit where so many similar attempts have failed? Or did fans and non-fans alike see the advertising for this movie and think that there might be a good movie here? I’m inclined to believe it’s the former, because I did not see any version of the advertising that made the movie seem like anything more than the hackery that it is.             Jack Black stars as Steve, a lifelong fan of mining who stumbles across a portal to another dimension called the Overworld. The new setting allows Steve to arrange the environment however he wants using the building blocks at his disposal, most of which are literal blocks, as in cubes. But he runs afoul of local pig-like villain Malgosha (Rachel House), who wants to shut down creativity at all costs. She has Steve arrested, but he hands off the portal-orb to his dog Dennis for hiding on Earth so it can’t fall into the wrong hands. The orb falls into what may or may not be the wrong hands.             The orb falls into the hands of fledgling arcade owner Garrett “The Garbageman” Garrison (Jason Momoa), who buys Steve’s abandoned things at a storage unit sale. He, along with a creative child he’s mentoring named Henry (Sebastian Hansen), are sucked into the Overworld, along with Henry’s adult sister (Emma Myers) and the siblings’ real estate agent (Danielle Brooks). The movie has no idea to do with three of these characters, they’re just there to pad out the cast beyond Black and Momoa, who are basically playing the same burnout-with-rock-n-roll-energy anyway.             A conditionally-released Steve teaches the newcomers how to survive in the Overworld, which includes introducing them to all sorts of bells and whistles that I’m sure are familiar to fans of the game. They also have to go on a quest to find their way home, which includes fending off zombies, pig armies, and even a monster riding a chicken for a literal chicken fight. A better movie would probably have the heroes try to make friends with the different races, but here they’re just enemies to either kill, evade, or knock aside while trying to attain a larger goal for themselves.             This movie is a mess. The jokes aren’t funny, the action isn’t interesting, and the writers were apparently all working on different movies. How else to explain the sincere tone of the Natalie-raising-Henry storyline or the painful tangent where an Overworld villager stumbles into the real world and begins dating Henry’s vice-principal (Jennifer Coolidge)? And none of it makes me want to play the “Minecraft” game. I’m not much of a video game person anyway (which yes, means I’m not the movie’s target audience, though I seriously doubt knowledge of the game would have endeared me to these underdeveloped characters), but a good adaptation knows how to cultivate new fans of the source material. As glad as I am that people are going to the movies, it baffles me that their choice is “A Minecraft Movie.” Grade: D “A Minecraft Movie” is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor and some scary images. Its running time is 101 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to:  andybowman839@gmail.com Most people with a beating heart want to be loved. Oh yes, I am certain that psychiatrists would be quick to point out there is a certain tiny percentage of humans who feel no love and have no need to be loved. But overwhelmingly, most of us crave the feeling of warm acceptance, or being valued for simply who we are, and nothing else. But there is another “ I- need-it - and-I-will-get-it-no-matter-what”   that has surfaced in recent years. Driving a large segment to do and say things that in former generations would have been unthinkable. To what am I referring? People demanding respect from others. Countless song lyrics mandating respect from the world-at-large have clogged the airwaves. Speakers holding microphones are droning on endlessly about ‘their rights.’ A never-ending stream of lawyers, representing the self-declared downtrodden who feel their rights have been trampled, are holding forth in our country’s courtrooms, demanding their due. Every one of these are looking for that feeling of respect that will make them feel vindicated and worthy. And whether that validation comes in the form of financial compensation (always acceptable, of course) an abject public apology, a better position within the company where they work, or all the above combined, compensation for not feeling respected is being demanded. And sometimes, even coerced. In many instances, this demand is not even workplace or relationship based. It is internal - based solely upon the need that  everyone  around them accept and extol their choices. Whether those around them personally accept and feel like extolling those personal choices or not. Wanting and needing respect from others is a natural for us humans. We were made with an in-born desire to be recognized and valued for who we are and what we contribute. Nothing wrong in my eyes in desiring the respect of others. But here is my problem with today’s demand for respect. A person has to be respect-able. The kind of person whom the people around you are quite willing and able to hold in high regard. Forcing respect to come from others won’t happen. No matter how much you try to decree it into being – you cannot force people to respect you. Some examples; People will have trouble respecting you as a great spouse, if they know that you have been in fact cheating on your husband/wife. If you abuse defenseless children, you deserve absolutely no one’s respect. You probably will not be extolled as Employee Of The Month at your company if you are lazy on the job. And you certainly won’t be publicly lauded and applauded for lying and stealing, and then blaming someone else when you get caught. You cannot command or demand respect from anyone, when your behavior is trashy and despicable.   YOU HAVE TO EARN RESPECT! Having people’s respect isn’t your God-given right as a human being. Respect for you and your behavior is given when you respect yourself enough to realize who you can, and should be. And set about to be that person, someone who is respect-able.

The Town of Bolton will join communities across the nation in observing the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with a special gathering scheduled from 12:20 PM to 1:00 PM. Residents, faith leaders, and community members are invited to participate in a collective moment of prayer and reflection at the City Hall parking lot, located at 202 Raymond-Bolton Road. This annual observance offers an opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to come together in unity, lifting up the nation, local leaders, schools, families, and first responders in prayer. The brief, midday program aims to provide a peaceful yet powerful moment of spiritual encouragement and connection for the Bolton community. In the event of inclement weather, the gathering will be relocated to the Jimmie R. Lewis, Sr. Pavilion to ensure the event can proceed uninterrupted. Organizers encourage everyone in the area to take a pause from their daily schedules and join in this meaningful tradition. Whether attending as individuals or representing congregations or civic groups, participants are welcomed to stand together in faith and unity for the good of the community and the country.

Jana N. Henderson, a native of Bolton, Mississippi, has dedicated over two decades of service to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), rising through the ranks to become one of the state’s leading voices in disaster mitigation and emergency preparedness. Her career at MEMA began in 2003, where she served in various roles including Administrative Assistant to both the Response and Recovery Bureau Director and the Executive Director. Her leadership and dedication eventually led to her appointment as Chief of Staff, and later as Director of the Office of Mitigation and the State of Mississippi Hazard Mitigation Officer in 2012. Ms. Henderson has played a vital role in responding to over 30 declared disasters, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. Her expertise in planning and recovery has helped guide Mississippi communities through some of their most challenging times. An alumna of Belhaven University, she holds both a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Business Management. She is also a Certified Floodplain Manager and is furthering her studies in the legal field with coursework in Paralegal studies. In addition to her work at MEMA, Henderson is an Adjunct Professor at Tougaloo College, contributing to the Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence-Education Project within the Sociology and Social Work Department. She also serves as Treasurer for the Association of State Floodplain Managers and is a board member of the Association of Floodplain Managers of Mississippi. She has testified before the U.S. Senate on critical issues such as mitigation, resiliency, and flood insurance—bringing particular attention to the needs of rural communities like her hometown of Bolton. Her work continues to reflect a strong commitment to making Mississippi, and Bolton in particular, stronger and more resilient in the face of future disasters.

U.S. Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) is inviting residents of Natchez and surrounding communities to a town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. at New Beginnings M.B. Church, located at 35 Triumph Lane. The event aims to discuss the potential impacts of proposed federal budget cuts on the Department of Education, Department of Health & Human Services, and the Social Security Administration. Congressman Thompson, who has represented Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District since 1993, will address how these proposed reductions could affect students, seniors, and low-income families reliant on these federal programs. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in understanding and responding to these potential changes. This town hall is part of a series of meetings organized by Congressman Thompson to engage directly with constituents on critical issues. Another town hall is scheduled for April 24 in Greenville. ​ Residents are encouraged to attend the Natchez meeting to voice their concerns, ask questions, and gain insights into how these federal decisions may impact their daily lives. For more information, constituents can visit Congressman Thompson's official website at benniethompson.house.gov .​