Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Democratic Representative from Mississippi Bennie Thompson. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI Recently, President Joe Biden announced Congressman Benny G. Thompson (MS-02) will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal. The Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, is awarded to citizens of the United States who have performed admirable deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. "I am honored to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Biden. From my time as a student in Mississippi at Tougaloo College to the halls of Congress, including my time as Chairman of the Select Committee to investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol, I have had an unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending democracy. Throughout my nearly six decades as a public servant, whether on the local or federal level, I have worked to ensure that democratic principles work for all Americans, not just a select few." President Biden will conduct the Presidential Citizens Medal presentation in the East Room of The White House Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST/4:00 PM CST. To view the Presidential Citizens Medal presentation, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov/live .

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has been notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory that poultry from a commercial broiler chicken flock in Copiah County, Mississippi has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. Samples from the flock were tested at the Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with avian influenza in birds remains low. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution. SITUATION:  The State Veterinarian has quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock have not entered the food system. The MBAH is working closely with federal animal health officials in Mississippi on a joint incident response. The MBAH is actively working with the poultry industry to increase monitoring of flocks statewide. This finding is the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in Mississippi since the spring of 2023. Since November, HPAI has been detected in migratory waterfowl in multiple areas of Mississippi. The poultry industry was notified and put on high alert to increase biosecurity and surveillance for HPAI. REPORTING:  Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity and be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death in birds in the MBAH Online Reporting Form https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/MBAHReportablePublic/birddeathlanding . Information will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Mississippi for assessment. Dead birds should be double‐bagged and refrigerated for possible testing. Precautions should be taken when handling sick or dead birds including proper handwashing, using gloves, wearing masks, and sanitation of surfaces that come into contact with sick or dead birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza to people. Avian influenza in birds can cause sudden death; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. A resource for backyard bird health information is online at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources . Biosecurity information and resources can be found by visiting: https://www.mbah.ms.gov/biosecurity/ . UPDATES and INFORMATION:  Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities in Mississippi, along with critical disease‐related information, will be posted online at:  https://www.hpai.ms.gov/ .

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB             Like many critics, I despised the 2019 CGI version of “The Lion King.” The new animation was ugly and the rehashing of the story from the 1994 classic without many changes made the whole thing seem unnecessary. But unlike many critics, I’m not ready to throw prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King” away just because of the sins of its predecessor. I’m not saying that it’s not still inextricably tied to the 2019 film, especially with its still-terrible CGI animation, but the story and characters can do some roaming on their own that makes for a breath of fresh air.             The film opens with Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) going away on some adult lion business and leaving their cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) in the care of comic relief meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). A storm is approaching, Kiara is scared, and Timon and Pumbaa’s danger-fraught stories aren’t helping. Wizened mandril Rafiki (John Kani), an old friend of the family, steps in and tells Kiara a story about her grandfather Mufasa’s bravery so that she won’t just be soothed, she’ll be inspired to be brave herself going forward. The framing device isn’t a bad idea in and of itself, and Kiara is important to the future of this world with the Circle of Life and all that, but Timon and Pumbaa are nothing but grating here. Their tired, lowbrow schtick gets the movie off to such a bad start and causes so many unwelcome interruptions that frankly I can understand why some people think they’re a deal-breaker for the entire film.             Fortunately, things pick up once the movie commits to the story of Mufasa (voiced as a cub by Braelyn and Brielle Rankins). A flood took him away from his parents (Anika Noni Rose and Keith David – because of course it took two of the greatest voices in the world to sire a character that would eventually have the all-time great voice of James Earl Jones) and he was rescued by Taka (Theo Somolu), an unblemished prince from a faraway pride who is quick to consider him a brother. King Obasi (Lennie James) allows Mufasa to live with the pride on the condition that he mostly live with the lionesses, led by Queen Eshe (Thandiwe Newton). This is supposed to be humiliation, but while Taka grows up learning rotten lessons from his jerk father, Mufasa picks up useful practical skills. He’s even able to protect Taka and Eshe from the son of evil lion Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), who sets his sights on wiping out the entire pride, sending Taka and Mufasa fleeing toward a sanctuary called Milele.             Along the way, Mufasa (now Aaron Pierre) and Taka (now Kelvin Harrison Jr.) make friends with Rafiki, as well as fellow lion Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) and her guide-bird Zazu (Preston Nyman), and they form an unlikely pack. Both Taka and Mufasa develop feelings for Sarabi, but Mufasa is bound by his honor to defer to Taka. Sarabi falls for Mufasa anyway, and Taka considers it a betrayal. The team has to not only worry about making it to Milele with Kiros in pursuit, but dissention between two lions that were, for all intents and purposes, brothers.             Yes, it’s easy to see where the story is going when you consider that certain characters have to end up in certain places by the time “The Lion King” rolls around. Yes, the animation still isn’t great, but it’s only obnoxiously bad in close-ups, which admittedly the film does far too often. And yes, the songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda (which sometimes invoke “Moana” more than the actual “Moana” sequel from a few weeks back) aren’t as memorable as the Elton John songs from 1994. But sorry, no, none of that ruins the movie for me. I still found myself invested in these characters, Timon and Pumbaa aside. I see enough effort and passion here that I’m willing to give “Mufasa: The Lion King” a very shaky recommendation.   Grade: B-   “Mufasa: The Lion King” is rated PG for action/violence, peril and some thematic elements. Its running time is 118 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Recently a man we know died in his nineties, after serving in the military until he retired and then had a long career as a police officer until retirement again. Jimmy covered his beat not in a patrol car or on foot, but on the back of a horse. At one point, he became a training officer for young police cadets, teaching young men and women how to do their job with the help of their faithful, four-footed companion. The night before the service for Jimmy, we had the honor of sitting with the family and listening to stories of his life as a husband, dad, and also as a police officer. He evidently was quite a man in many ways, loved and respected by family, friends, and coworkers alike. His family told us how in one training session for the police officers, Jimmy was busy instructing the cadets when suddenly his horse began objecting quite strenuously to having someone seated on his back. That animal wanted to go back to the barn, and nobody or nothing was going to stand in his way. In the process of trying to rid himself of a rider, Jimmy was suddenly sent flying over the horse’s head. Unbelievably, Jettisoned Jimmy somehow landed on his feet. Undaunted by this quick and unexpected dismount, Jimmy quickly squared his shoulders, and looking directly into the eyes of his trainees, and calmly explained, “And that, men, is how we dismount in McCurtain County of Oklahoma!” Funny stuff indeed.  But it is more than just a story that makes you laugh and at the same time admire the man. True, Jimmy displayed impressive skills as a horseman, and quick thinking as a leader in front of his men.   But even more remarkable was Jimmy’s ability to take an ‘Oops’ moment and turn it into a Wow!! story that was told by his family for years afterwards. Folks, do not underestimate the power in the true story you have just read. This wasn’t just a fluke in life – something that came from Jimmy’s brain and out of his mouth with no rhyme nor reason. The victory that you see in that incident was the result of living his life for many years with an attitude of “I won’t let life get the best of me. I will take whatever unexpected heartaches and problems that come crashing into my  life, and I will deal with them in the best way possible. I will  How do the Jimmys of the world do that? Are they simply more-than-human? Do they possess some sort of unbelievable and unattainable abilities that the rest of us can never hope to achieve? Yes, Jimmy B. was special, no doubt. But he became the man he was because he was smart enough to lean on his faith. He leaned on a God that he recognized as being a lot more able than himself. Worth learning.

By Kara Kimbrough Hoppin' John, served with a slice of cornbread, is a great New Year's Day meal or the perfect way to recycle leftover black-eyed peas on Jan. 2.  Disclaimer:  I don’t believe in luck. You'll never hear me say that I’ve been “lucky” when something good comes my way. I’ll use the word “fortunate,” but I'll steer clear of the “L word.” However, like any good Southerner, sitting down to a traditional plate of cabbage, black-eyed peas, pork and cornbread on New Year’s Day is a can't-miss ritual. It’s not because I fear a year of bad luck, but for two much more important reasons. It’s a fun tradition to maintain along with millions of other Southerners. Most important, if cooked the right way, these dishes are really, really good. Southerners often get a bad rap for clinging to centuries-old traditions, but a little research proved we’re not alone. Other foods that show up around the first day of the New Year in other parts of the U.S. and world include: Pork and sauerkraut: Germans and Eastern Europeans annually serve sauerkraut on the first day of the New Year with their “lucky pork.” Like Southerners, they believe cabbage resembles money and increases in value when cooked. Lentils: Due to their coin-like appearance, Italians prepare a meal of pork sausage and lentils on the first day of the year to secure prosperity in the coming 365 days. Lettuce and noodles: Similar to our cabbage, the Chinese wrap their food in the leafy green vegetables during the Chinese New Year and for good reason. Lettuce in their native tongue means "rising fortune." Likewise, long noodles are common fare during Chinese New Year. Also served in Japan on Jan. 1, the uncut pasta symbolizes a long life. When our global neighbors research America’s New Year’s Day food traditions, they’ll inevitably read about Hoppin’ John. Southerners eat this dish containing a combination of two supposedly “luck” ingredients, pork and black-eyed peas. Pork is considered lucky because of a pig's tendency to root forward, paving the way for wealth and prosperity in the coming year. And to the starving residents of Civil War-era Vicksburg, where the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day began, lowly field peas were their saving grace when Union troops bombed the town and torched the crops for good measure. The Yankees left the peas because they considered them useless. The joke was on them, as the leftover peas kept residents alive and well-fed until conditions improved. Out of that terrible time during the Civil War, a powerful lesson or two evolved that still holds true today: black-eyed peas, when cooked properly and served with a side of cornbread, are really delicious. And last, never count out Mississippians when it comes to creating a nourishing meal out of whatever we find on hand. After you've enjoyed a delicious New Year's Day meal of one or a selection of these Southern traditional foods or just your own favorite dishes, I hope you go on to experience a healthy, prosperous and blessed 2025! Fortunate 2025 Hoppin’ John Two cups black-eyed peas, cooked Two cups rice, cooked Two tablespoons butter Small onion, chopped Small red or green bell pepper, chopped¼ teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste1 link of smoked sausage, cooked and sliced thin, optional Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic powder and cook for five minutes. Add cooked peas, rice and cooked sausage (if using) and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Kara Kimbrough Grapevine, Texas is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas.       A trip to the Christmas Capital of Texas  should  produce a column on…well, all things merry and bright…right? Don’t worry, everything you’d possibly want to know about Christmas in Grapevine, Texas, a magical place that adequately lives up to its official title bestowed by the Texas State Legislature, is forthcoming. Since it’s a little late to make Christmas travel plans, a complete list of reasons you should strongly consider a visit to the quaint, but lively city located just minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport will be shared in time for Christmas 2025.     As a teaser, I  will  say that right now, Grapevine rivals any Hallmark Christmas movie ever produced. I’m basing this statement on the sheer number of elaborate red, green and white twinkling decorations covering almost every inch of the downtown area and beyond; Grapevine’ festive Christmas parade, the longest lighted holiday parade in the entire state of Texas and over 1,400 events spread over a mere 40 days.    A few of the special events I enjoyed during a recent short trip included a ride on a vintage train complete with jolly carol-singing sessions;  watching the spectacular Christmas parade in the crisp night air while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling on sugar cookies (sound like a Hallmark movie yet?) and a North Pole experience at the stunning Gaylord Texas Resort, which is also decorated with millions of twinkling lights, gorgeous flowers and over-the-top holiday décor.     Ice! is a dazzling holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice  sculptures, snow banks, frozen slides and tunnels. To illustrate just how realistic it is, donning a heavy parka only an Eskimo would appreciate is required to brave frigid single-digit temps.    You simply can’t depart Grapevine after a visit during the Christmas season without being infiltrated with the festive holiday spirit. But again, more details about the places to see and experience will be shared a little later.    Tolbert's chili is known as some of the best in Texas-- I agree. The recipe for authentic Texas chili is a little lengthy, so email me and I'll send it to you.   Right now, I’ve just got share some incredible recipes I picked up in Grapevine or at least, received inspiration to find ones that were similar to the food I sampled. Here, in no particular order, are a few of my best food finds: 1.  Best chili ever at Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor – Some call Tolbert’s chili the “best in Texas” and after sampling it, I tend to agree. I rushed straight from DFW to the downtown Grapevine restaurant and within minutes, excitedly dipped a spoon into a steaming, hearty bowl of chili. Tolbert’s version exceeded my high chili expectations. A thick mixture of beef, tomatoes and several spices (and to my delight, no beans) was so good that I alternated between enjoying heaping spoonfuls and digging in with homemade tortilla chips. I’ve seen copycat recipes online, but since I’m not sure which one is accurate, I found a recipe for Texas chili that looks similar. Due to space restrictions, drop me an email and I’ll share it with you.  2.    French pastries in, yes, a Texas town – The name should have given it away – “ Chez Fabien for breakfast” was listed on the itinerary. Still, I had no idea of the delights that awaited. The French bistro serves a dizzying array of breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner items in its main dining areas. After enjoying a delicious breakfast of fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and topped with maple syrup, I stepped into an adjacent room and discovered where the magic happens. In the bakery, rows of creative cakes, pies, sweet breads and an assortment of decadent pastries provide a feast for the eyes. A delicate almond croissant was my favorite among several samples. My only disappointment was not purchasing a loaf of German Christmas stollen bread the first day I spotted it. I had to depart before their stock was replenished, leaving me inspired to create my own version at home. Apple chutney is a delicious addition to a charcuterie board of meats, fruits and cheeses.  3.    Appetizers in an unusual setting – After attending a wine tasting in a wine shop, you’d assume the fruity beverage would be the topic of conversation. Ironically, it was the appetizers prepared by the owner that had our group buzzing. Besides charcuterie boards of sliced cheeses and meats, we were served bowls of spiced nuts, apple chutney spread and gingerbread cookies to complement each sample. The owner kindly shared the recipe for the spiced nuts; I found a similar recipe online for apple chutney. Apple chutney is delicious as a spread for crackers, meats and cheeses, as a topping on bagels and cream cheese or as a tangy addition to a grilled cheese or meat-based sandwich.    I’m omitting many of the memorable meals, ranging from Italian fare to gourmet deli sandwiches rivaling those I've tasted in New York City to grilled pizzas served at restaurants throughout the bustling city. I’ll share more in my “Hallmark Movie Town in Texas” column next year. Until then, try these recipes to experience “just a little” of the wonderful things Grapevine, Texas has to offer. Apple Chutney Spread  2 apples  1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup 1/2 of medium yellow onion or 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground ginger (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 lemon – zest and juice     Peel and finely chop apples into small pieces. Add the apples, red wine vinegar, honey, onion, ginger and garlic in a heavy bottomed pan, then place pan over low heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. While cooking, make sure to stir often.      Using a micro-plane grater, zest the lemon, being careful to not get any of the white part. Add the zest into the pan with the apple mixture. Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze juice into the pan; stir to combine. As mixture cooks, apples and onion should turn a golden brown like the honey.      After 15 minutes (if mixture has thickened) remove from heat and stir well. If more “heat” or seasoning is desired, add a pinch of chili flakes, salt and pepper. Spiced Rosemary Nuts 3 cups salted mixed nuts 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the nuts, melted butter, rosemary, brown sugar and cayenne in a large bowl until combined. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the nuts until fragrant and toasted, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Central Hinds Academy Beauty and Beau Pageant, set to take place on Thursday, January 18, at Hinds Community College. The event promises an afternoon of elegance, featuring students from the academy showcasing their style, poise, and personality. The Junior High portion of the pageant begins at 3:00 PM, with the High School competition to follow. Attendees can look forward to a celebration of confidence and charm as participants compete for the coveted titles. In the spirit of the event, Best Nail Spa in Raymond is offering a 15% discount for all Central Hinds Academy students and teachers from January 11 through January 18. This special promotion ensures that everyone can feel their best for the big day. Don’t miss this exciting showcase of talent and grace as Central Hinds Academy highlights its outstanding students in this annual tradition!

By Douglas Carswell Remember when Japan was predicted to overtake America?  Back in the 1980s, Japan was the coming country. Japan’s economy had enjoyed decades of rapid growth. Her exports where everywhere, and with inventions like the Sony Walkman, it looked as though Japan was the technological future, too. America looked like a power in decline. Forty years ago, many traditional US industries were failing. Crime seemed out of control.   By the mid 1990s, Japan’s GDP was 71 percent that of the US - and the gap looked to be closing. One “expert”, Herman Kahn predicted that Japan would surpass America as the world’s largest economy by 2000. Today? Japan’s economy is a quarter the size of America’s. Japan hasn’t produced much innovation since the Tamagotchi (Don’t ask). Despite all the talk about Japanese electronic wizardry, the great digital innovations of the past few decades have happened on this side of the Pacific.  Today, of course, we’re told that the great ascending power is not Japan, but China. China’s economic growth over the past 40 years has been phenomenal. In industry after industry, Chinese exports have crushed the competition. China, unlike Japan, is not just an economic competitor but a strategic rival to the United States, pursuing an aggressively expansionist policy in the Pacific, south Asia and parts of Africa. By 2021, China’s GDP was almost 80 percent that of the US and the experts were telling us China would overtake America within a couple of decades.   But look at what has happened since. China’s economy seems to have peaked as a percentage of US output. China has even more debt-induced malinvestment than Japan had during the 80s asset bubble.  Chinese demographics (current Total Fertility Rate 1.02) are in an even worse shape than Japan’s (TFR 1.30). And China’s fiscal position is unlikely to improve with all of President Xi’s imperial ambitions to fund.  As recently as 2008, Europe’s economy was about the same size as the United States’. Today, America’s economy is twice the size of Europe’s. Looking at the number of large companies established over the past 50 years on either side of the Atlantic. Home Depot, a single US company, eclipses all the new businesses created in the European Union since 1974. So why are Japan, China and Europe all in their different ways underperforming America? Because each are, in their different ways, reverting back to a type of political economic tradition far less successful than America’s. Japan, superficially Western in so many ways since 1945, has behind that façade a strongly corporatist political economy. A handful of well-connected conglomerates are able to dominate markets, but shielded from internal competition, they don’t innovate. (To appreciate how stifling this is, try to imagine what America might be like, for example, if IBM was the only computer company, with all the competitors kept out.) China, after a brief move towards market liberalization begun by Deng Xiaoping, is reverting to what you might think of as a Ming tradition. Dissent is stamped on. A bureaucratic elite micromanages and controls. The sclerotic effects are already being felt.   Europe, repeated rescued from an indigenous form of autocracy by the Anglosphere powers (1704, 1815, 1914, 1944, Cold War), is tragically reverting to type. Today, a courtly elite enthroned in Brussels attempts to regulate and control ever more aspects of social and economic life across the Continent, destroying it in the process (Mercifully, Britain escaped from this in 2016 and might yet return to a more Atlantic tradition).  To flourish, the United States needs to stay true to the political and economic model envisaged by the Founders; limited government, lower taxes and liberty. The good news is that with the new administration in Washington, this may well be about to happen. Elon Musk is determined not only to cut federal spending (something America urgently needs to do to avoid bankruptcy). He is looking to turbo charge productivity growth, moving people from the public to the private sector, and radically cut red tape. Reports of America’s relative decline seem to me to be wildly exaggerated. If Musk and co deliver half of what they are promising, we might just be on the cusp of an extraordinary period of progress and innovation in America. The divergence between America and the rest of the world is only going to accelerate.  I feel an overwhelming sense of privilege to be onboard!   Douglas Carswell is the President and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. He was previously a Member of the British Parliament for 12 years.

By: Bob Garver Poster credit: IMDB The “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie franchise has had quite the history. In 2019, jokes about the poorly-received first trailer were everywhere in pop culture. Paramount, to its credit, took the vitriol as constructive criticism and spent months redesigning the main character to have a more palatable appearance. When the upgraded movie was released in 2020, all was forgiven and the movie was a hit. The 2022 sequel was also a bigger hit than expected, with “Morbius” bombing the week before and audiences hungry for a blockbuster. And with the third film already earning over $60 million at the domestic box office in its first weekend, it’s a safe bet that it will be the biggest hit of Christmas 2024. The journey from Internet punching bag to must-see holiday destination is indeed an inspiring one, much more than anything that happens onscreen in the mess that is “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” As we check in with Sonic (Ben Schwartz), he’s enjoying domestic life on Earth with his adoptive human parents Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) and his home-planet sorta-siblings, fox Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and echidna Knuckles (Idris Elba). But the good times can’t last, as the government needs Team Sonic to fight off a threat from another superpowered space hedgehog. Shadow (Keanu Reeves) has escaped from a secret government facility and is up to no good. Even with a 3-on-1 advantage, the heroes are easily bested and Shadow gets away. If they want to defeat Shadow, they’re going to have to align with hedgehog expert and dormant supervillain Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Robotnik and his long-suffering assistant Stone (Lee Majdoub) help Team Sonic track Shadow to an abandoned facility where they learn that the heelish hedgehog isn’t working alone. Dr. Gerald Robotnik (also Carrey), Ivo’s grandfather, has been helping the former science specimen for decades. Together they’re working on an evil scheme to control a doomsday device. Ivo immediately turns on the others once he discovers that family is involved, so the next battle in London is essentially a 3-on-3 with Team Sonic vs. Shadow and the Robotniks. Then, of course, the final showdown is at the weapon itself with only seconds to spare, most of those seconds used by the heroes to try to convince the villains not to blow up the world. Action and story-wise, this movie is a yawn. I can’t imagine anybody coming out of this movie saying that it was really cool when a character did this or it was a surprise when the movie took that turn. That leaves humor as the movie’s distinguishing characteristic, which is a shame because a lot of it missed for me. The heroes’ jokes could be found in any number of similar family action movies, including but not limited to the MCU. The returning character that probably got the most laughs out of me was Knuckles, thanks to Elba’s gravitas-filled delivery, but even his lines feel like Drax the Destroyer leftovers. As for comedy legend Carrey, I assure you that playing two characters doesn’t make him twice as funny. Twice as annoying, maybe, but he’s doing all of his infamous mugging without much of his famous passion. I say “much” because, like Elba, he did get a few laughs out of me, but not enough to come close to saving the day. As far as I’m concerned, the only thing that “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” has going for it is that it could be worse. We could be three movies deep into this franchise with the way Sonic originally looked, with the lanky body and humanoid teeth. Yes, I know that releasing the first movie like that might have killed the sequels, but it also could have brought about two even uglier sequels. At least this way it’s a marginally better-looking character getting shoved down our throats. Grade: C- “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com   To paraphrase a comedian from years ago, “D’ya know what makes me sick?” No? Well, I can gladly tell you. And there will be no referring to the cost of eating, or heating the house, or driving across the street nowadays. Although I certainly could.   The topic eating my lunch today; Having friends that I love… and they can’t stand each other.   I enjoy church on Sunday morning, singing, praying, and then listening to a minister explain a part of the Bible in a way that is understandable. (Understandable, preachers, get that? Understandable!) Then eventually bundling myself up against the weather outside, saying goodbye to friends standing nearby, and racing my car headlong to my warm home.    I do not enjoy having friends or loved ones at church being at odds with each other and each expecting me to side with them. I do not enjoy being the center of the proverbial wishbone.   How in this world can otherwise normal, patient, God-fearing adults seemingly overnight become self-serving, egocentric, “It’s my way or the highway” kind of people? I might understand it easier, if the persons involved in this struggle were known to be constantly neurotic and narcissistic. But to suddenly devolve into angry and hurtful church-goers, simply because somebody didn’t agree with their point of view on an issue? And to complicate matters, both sides usually have good and sincere points in their favor. Both have valid reasons to believe they are the only ones in the right. And both are certainly not shy in letting any listener hear those talking points.  Stand still long enough in one place nearby, and you are bound to receive an earful.    But there is a problem, and it always the root problem for the entire issue. They talk to anyone else who will listen, but they are not talking and listening to each other.  How can they possibly expect to come to an understanding of the other’s POV, and settle on a compromise, if they refuse to sit down and listen to each other explain their beliefs and opinions?    Ignoring each other while standing in the very same crowded room does little to promote a loving and kind atmosphere for others, believe me. And it’s really difficult for the mutual friend who gets caught in the crossfire - otherwise known as being the middle of the wishbone.   Many church goers caught in this wishbone dilemma finally just make a decision. To avoid all the controversy, they simply stay home in their house robe, turn the channel to catch a TV preacher, grab a cup of hot-something and settle into their favorite chair for a thirty-minute sermon. Oh yes, that works for that person, but does little for the health and well-being of the local church.    Sincere and opinionated persons in the congregation, do us all a favor, please? Pick up the phone, and call your adversary to make a specific date and time to sit down and listen .

By Kara Kimbrough Super Moise Cranberry Orange Loaf is a perfect accompaniment to coffee and hot tea or as a last-minute dessert.      I get it – Christmas is here (or perhaps already come and gone if you’re reading this later in the week) and baking any more cakes, pies, cookies or related sweet treats just isn’t in your plans. However, if you have a few days off between now and New Year’s, you’ll need something to snack on while leisurely drinking your morning (or afternoon) coffee or when guests drop by unexpectedly. There’s nothing easier to pull together than these two quick breads that you literally cannot  mess up.    One of my go-to quick breads that easily doubles as a dessert or as mentioned, a late morning breakfast or afternoon snack, is cherry bread. I’ve given loaves of the fragrant bread as presents and dropped them off when a friend was sick or in need of an extra dessert.    I added a new quick bread to the lineup this year after I purchased a bag of fresh cranberries for a Christmas recipe and began searching for ways to use the remaining berries. Just like the cherry bread, this one is impossible to mess up. Ingredients can simply be dumped in a bowl, mixed together and poured into a loaf pan.     Try one – or both – recipes to enjoy with your coffee as the last remaining days of 2024 fade into the sunset.     Happy New Year! Super Moist Cranberry Orange Loaf 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 ¾ cups white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 2 cups fresh cranberries 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained ¾ cup milk ¾ cup sour cream 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon orange extract 1 tablespoon white sugar      Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a large loaf pan. Whisk flour, 1 3/4 cups sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a large bowl. Add melted butter; stir until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1/4 cup each cranberries and mandarin oranges; stir remaining into flour mixture.      Beat milk, sour cream, eggs, and extracts in a separate bowl until smooth; gradually stir into flour mixture until batter is thoroughly incorporated. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Scatter reserved 1/4 cup each cranberries and mandarin oranges on top of batter; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.      Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes; reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking until center of bread springs back when touched, 35 to 40 minutes more. Fail-Proof Cherry Bread 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour  1 cup of buttermilk ¼ cup juice from 10-ounce jar of maraschino cherries (reserve the cherries for the end)  1/2 cup each white and brown sugar  ¼ cup softened butter 2 eggs 3 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon each - salt and baking soda  Cup of chopped walnuts, lightly toasted       Add everything except cherries to mixing bowl. Beat well, scrape sides of bowl and beat again. Add chopped cherries and mix well. Bake in a greased and floured bread pan in a 350-degree oven for 60-70 minutes. Cool on rack, then invert onto a serving dish.       Glaze: mix a cup of powdered sugar with a teaspoon or two of milk and a teaspoon of almond extract. Beat and add milk until you get the consistency you like. Drizzle over warm bread. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Elves tell Santa about MS driver behavior Because no one logs more travel miles on Christmas Eve than Santa Claus, the Big Guy simply insists on being well prepared. That's why earlier this month, at Santa's request, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) cleared St. Nick and his reindeer for all modes of travel in the state on Christmas Eve and awarded him an official Certificate of Travel Clearance.   MDOT staff thoroughly inspected Santa's extra wide sleigh load, ensuring it met all safety requirements. Permits were issued for his sack of toys surpassing posted weight limits, and Rudolph's nose so bright met, but did not exceed, the illumination threshold. All takeoffs and landings to and from the homes of good children have been approved, and exceptions were granted for any last-minute "Nice List" additions.     "Santa knows the importance of being prepared no matter how you choose to travel, and he's a staunch, yet jolly, safety advocate to boot," said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. "Before Santa Claus comes to your town, make sure your elf-size family members always travel in car seats, wear your seatbelt and check it twice, and remember, he sees you when you're speeding, and he knows when you've been texting. Take it from Kris Kringle: Put safety first so everyone can have a Merry Christmas."  While at MDOT, Santa received reports on Mississippi drivers' conduct from elves Darryl and Cheryl. Sadly, elven intel suggests some of the state's motorists may receive a lump of coal this year. However, St. Nick insisted that with a few behavior adjustments and a sprinkle of Christmas spirit, even the most egregious drivers may be able to change their fate. Darryl and Cheryl also gifted Santa a reflective vest for extra safety and visibility along state highways.  Currently, conditions appear favorable for sleigh flight on Christmas Eve. Motorists are advised to drive slow and be alert for sleighs, reindeer and their white-tailed cousins after dark on Christmas Eve. Blitzened driving is strictly prohibited.   Stay updated with live traffic information by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting MDOTtraffic.com and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. Sleigh traffic version in beta.