By Bob Garver               Back in 2019, “Joker” managed to make over $1 billion at the global box office and earn itself 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and a Best Actor win for Joaquin Phoenix. I recall respecting the movie for Phoenix’s performance and the inspired idea to paint him as a Scorsese-style antihero, but I also recall not really “enjoying” the film in the traditional sense where I laughed or was thrilled very much. The film took a very realistic, mental-health heavy approach to the origin of the beloved Batman baddie, and I couldn’t help but feel that a movie that combined an evil clown with the world of standup comedy shouldn’t feel so grounded. In other words, “Why So Serious?”             Five years later, Phoenix and director Todd Phillips are back and have added some much-needed outrageous elements. Arthur “Joker” Fleck (Pheonix) is on trial for the crimes he committed in the first movie. His lawyer Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener) can save him from the death penalty if she can convince the court that Joker is a separate personality from Arthur that can be subdued. The prosecutor is none other than Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), and of course fans are already licking their chops at the deliciousness of the character that is to become known as Two-Face arguing against a fellow Batman adversary having a split personality. It won’t be much of a surprise to say that Arthur isn’t going to follow his lawyer’s by-the-book counsel, and will instead use the televised trial as a forum to give the unhinged performance of a lifetime.             But Dent isn’t the only new member of Batman’s rogues gallery in the mix. The movie throws in a new take on Harley Quinn, played by the notoriously-audacious Lady Gaga. Arthur meets Harley while touring another part of Arkham Asylum, and a sadistic guard (Brendan Gleeson) lets them spend some time together, probably just so he can hurt Arthur by taking her away from him later. As if it weren’t enough for Gaga to be Phoenix’s figurative dance partner, she’s his actual dance partner too, because this movie is a musical! Over 20 song and/or dance numbers are performed throughout the film. Musical numbers still not enough? Okay, there’s also animation – a cartoon opens the movie. There shouldn’t be a single dull moment onscreen. And yet… this sequel is even more boring than the original.             How did this happen? I’ll start with the scenes of dialogue. There’s too much pausing and talking slowly. For all the talk of humor, these characters don’t have a great sense of timing. The musical numbers are all just dreary renditions of songs that make allusions to things that are comedy-related, but don’t have the energy to match. I guess Phillips thought he was onto something with that “Send in the Clowns” scene from the first movie, but that scene was only memorable because it was so unbelievable that a random stockbroker would know all the words to that song. As for action scenes, there isn’t much besides guards abusing their power, a non-fatal fire, and some admittedly good stuff toward the end that makes for too little, too late.             I get that “Joker: Folie à Deux” isn’t trying to be one of the zanier Batman movies, and it’s not like I don’t see an effort being made with the passionate performances. But to take characters as wild and chaotic as The Joker and Harley Quinn (not to mention the musical genre) and make them this lifeless is just a bad idea that should have been revised into something more palatable. The movie itself may even realize that this continuity has no future, as it seemingly passes up a perfect opportunity to set up a third installment. This film squanders so much promise… it’s laughable.   Grade: C-   “Joker: Folie à Deux” is rated R for some strong violence, language throughout, some sexuality, and brief full nudity. Its running time is 138 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) are coming together to highlight this year's theme, "My Mental Health at Work," and to encourage Mississippians to make mental well-being a priority in the workplace. With more people spending a significant portion of their lives at work, this year's theme shines a spotlight on the importance of fostering a healthy work environment. Mississippi is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their job or life circumstances, have access to the mental health resources they need. Mental health is integral to every aspect of life, including how we perform at work. The demands of modern workplaces—whether physical, mental, or emotional—are contributing to the growing need for mental health support. More than half of Mississippians will experience a mental health issue at some point, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health not only in our personal lives but also in our professional settings. DMH Executive Director Wendy Bailey emphasized the critical role that workplaces can play in supporting mental health. "Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and it's crucial that we work together to make resources accessible," said Bailey. "We want everyone to know that mental health care is available, effective, and within reach. No one should have to suffer in silence." To meet this growing need, Mississippi has expanded its mental health services through several key initiatives: Mental Health MS  ( www.mentalhealthms.com ), a 24/7 resource providing immediate support for individuals in crisis. Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) , which offer short-term, intensive care for those experiencing severe mental health issues. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , which connects individuals in emotional distress with trained professionals across the state. MDRS Executive Director Billy Taylor emphasized the importance of collaboration between rehabilitation services and mental health efforts to support workers facing mental health challenges.   "Workplaces play a critical role in an individual's mental health," said Taylor. "At MDRS, we are committed to helping Mississippians with disabilities, including mental health challenges, find and maintain meaningful employment. Together, we can foster workplaces that support everyone's mental well-being."   Dr. Daniel Edney, State Health Officer of MSDH, stressed the interconnection between mental and physical health. "We cannot separate mental health from overall health," said Edney. "This World Mental Health Day, we urge everyone to take time to know there is help out there and to not hesitate to reach out for support when needed. It's never too early—or too late—to ask for help." As part of their efforts to create a mentally healthier Mississippi, DMH, MDRS, and MSDH are reaching out to local businesses, schools, and communities to help reduce the stigma of mental illness and foster open conversations about mental health in the workplace. Resources for All Mississippians: Free mental health screenings are available at www.mentalhealthscreening.org . Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) provide counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation programs across the state. Partnerships with schools aim to integrate mental health education into the curriculum, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to prioritize their well-being. This World Mental Health Day, DMH, MDRS, and MSDH invite all Mississippians to take part in the conversation about mental health at work. Whether through starting a dialogue, seeking help, or supporting a co-worker, every action plays a part in creating a mentally healthier and more productive Mississippi.

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com If there has ever been a time in my life when I feel like crawling under the bed with a blankie and lying there whimpering – it just might be now. Now, I really don’t see myself as a wimp, like a girl who has never had to face anything more unpleasant than a pimple on her nose on prom night. I’ve faced my own share of serious diseases, loss of loved ones, being stranded in blizzard conditions, job loss, and car wrecks.   But people, I have to admit, we have entered a time in this world that is causing me more than just a passing “gulp” from anxiety. I now wake up of a morning with almost the same attitude as from the tired old joke; “Instead of my usual ‘Good morning, Lord!’ it has now become ‘Oh good Lord, it’s morning.”   Forcing myself out of bed, I have a choice of things to worry about from a buffet of disasters; the people ravaged by Hurricane Helene, the entire state of Florida that, even as I am writing, face Milton the Monster, and a presidential election that is threatening to engulf our entire nation in an internal war against ourselves. As a side dish, we have the escalating inflation rate that is causing a lot of folks to think about starting a starvation diet, and others to lustfully eye Fido’s food. And don’t forget the highlight of my days – dessert. A delightfully layered dish composed of warring countries who are backed by other countries, seemingly just itching to jump into the fray and make it a free-for-all.  My feelings familiar? Do you also find yourself longing for the days when kids dreaded to come home from school because they knew they would be facing their furious Mom - because she got “the call” from the school principal. The good ol’ days when a house break-in made the local newspaper headlines in HUGE BLACK LETTERING .   I am getting tired. Exhausted from living when the whole world is turning itself into a place where hate and brutality are the norm. A time when families don’t even realize they are supposed to be a safe place for each other. Where mom and dad and the kids know that if they come home bruised and defeated by a bully in their life, the rest of the family will actually care and will try to encourage them to face another tomorrow.   But still, I do have something to hold onto…something that gives me the courage to take a deep breath each morning and step outside my home. That something? A deep conviction and real knowledge of God. That He cares, that He is watching and helping, that nothing escapes His attention, and that He will repay .   No, I am not blind, I am very aware of the horrible pain in this world. But I also know nothing worth having comes without pain. And the win at the end is worth the pain we face now.

Tomorrow, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the I-55 northbound exit ramp to Woodrow Wilson Drive will be temporarily closed. MDOT crews will be placing barriers to reduce the bridge to a single lane for ongoing repairs. Motorists are advised to slow down, stay alert in work zones, and find alternate routes to minimize delays. For real-time updates on this closure and other traffic news, visit MDOTtraffic.com , download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, or follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.

By Kara Kimbrough     I’ve never understood why Crockpots are used more in the fall and winter months. I understand that cooler weather signals the start of comfort food season, highlighted by hot soups, stews and chili. But not only do I use my Crockpots – emphasis on plural, as I own several – all year long, but I actually rely on it more during the summer months when I avoid turning on my oven whenever possible.     Whenever you use a Crockpot, there are a few rules that help avoid Crockpot mishaps, ranging from mushy vegetables to shrinking meat: Sear meat before adding to the pot. It’s a quick, but all-important step when preparing a meat-based Crockpot meal. Browning the meat ahead of time will help lock in flavor and seal in the meat’s delicious juices. And, this step usually helps avoid meat shrinkage, a problem I encountered recently when I failed to brown stew meat before making recipe #1 (below). Make cleanup a breeze. Always use a slow cooker liner, eliminating the need to do more than a quick rinse of the ceramic pot after the meal is done. Don’t overfill the Crockpot. Only fill to about ¾ capacity of the Crockpot to prevent overcooking and overflow.  Keep it locked. Opening the lid to stir or check on the food releases heat and can extend cooking time. Keep an eye on the clock. Allowing food to cook past the recommended time can result in a soggy or crispy dinner. Here are two new favorite Crockpot recipes that have already got my Crocktober off to a delicious start. Best (and Easiest) Crockpot Beef Stew 2 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 pounds cubed stew beef 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon beef bouillon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks 2 cups sliced carrots 1 large yellow onion, sliced 1 cup frozen sweet peas 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon oil     In a skillet over medium heat, brown meat in oil until lightly-browned and crisp. Pour the beef broth into the crockpot and add the beef. Sprinkle the beef with the garlic, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce.   Add the cut potatoes, carrots and sliced onion on top of the beef.     Place lid on crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low, until beef is fork tender. Once stew is cooked, add in the sweet peas.      To thicken the gravy, make a slurry with cornstarch and gravy. In a bowl, whisk to combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Then slowly pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir until all combined.  Replace lid and turn the crockpot to high heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until thickened. Crockpot Salisbury Steak and Gravy 1 package Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix 1 small onion, sliced 1 ½ cups beef broth or low sodium beef broth 1 ounce brown gravy mix 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons water To make beef patties: 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef 1 egg yolk ¼ cup minced onion ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs 3 tablespoons milk Salt and black pepper to taste    Line 6-quart Crockpot with plastic line. Sprinkle soup mix on bottom, followed by onion slices.      Combine beef patty ingredients and form 6 flat patties. Brown over medium high heat (about 3 minutes per side) to achieve a slight crisp on both sides.     Layer beef patties over onions. Combine remaining ingredients except water and cornstarch. Pour over beef and cook on low 5 hours. Once cooked, remove patties and set aside.     Turn Crockpot up to high. Combine cold water and cornstarch. Stir into the broth and let cook a few minutes until thickened. Add beef back into the sauce to coat. Serve with gravy over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

Fall Break is right around the corner for Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School students! The school will be closed on Friday, October 11, and Monday, October 14, giving everyone a well-deserved break from the classroom. This break marks the halfway point of the first semester, offering students a chance to relax and recharge before heading into Term 2. Term 2 will officially begin on Tuesday, October 15, when students return to school. Teachers have been preparing their lesson plans to ensure a strong start to the new term. The focus will shift to new topics, more challenging assignments, and continued academic growth. Parents are encouraged to help their children use this time wisely, balancing rest with light review in preparation for the upcoming term. Whether catching up on reading or going over homework assignments, small efforts during the break can set students up for success when they return. As Fall Break approaches, Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School wishes its students, staff, and families a safe and relaxing time off. The administration is excited to welcome students back refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2!

by me With the November 5, 2024, General Election quickly approaching, Mississippians need to be aware of upcoming important dates and deadlines. VOTER REGISTRATION The 2024 General Election voter registration deadlines are: In-person at the Circuit Clerk's office by 5:00 pm on Monday, October 7. Note: Circuit Clerk's offices will be open for in-person voter registration on Saturday, October 5, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Mail-in registration applications  must be postmarked no later than Monday, October 7. ABSENTEE VOTING In-person and mail-in absentee ballots are now available through your county Circuit Clerk's office for the 2024 General Election. Mississippians may utilize the Secretary of State's  Y'all Vote website , which includes an  Absentee Voting FAQ  and  Step-by-Step Guide to Absentee Voting , or contact their county circuit clerk to verify eligibility. If eligible, ballots will be provided upon request by your circuit clerk. For those who cannot visit their Circuit Clerk's Office during the work week, Saturday in-person absentee voting dates are Saturday, October 26, and Saturday, November 2, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. The last day to vote in-person absentee is November 2 while mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before November 5 (Election Day). CAMPAIGN FINANCE Campaign finance reports for all judicial candidates and political action committees which have received contributions or made expenditures in support or opposition of judicial candidates are due by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Reports may be submitted via: Email :  CampaignFinance@sos.ms.gov  or  Shelby.Scoggins@sos.ms.gov In person:  401 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39201 or 1141 Bayview Avenue, Suite 120, Biloxi, MS 39530 Mail : P.O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205-0136 (Please note that mailed-in reports must actually be received by the required date and the postmarked date will not be considered). Fax:  (601) 576-2545 The Secretary of State's Office is your primary and  #TrustedInfo2024  source for election information. For questions, please call our Elections Division at (800) 829-6786, email  ElectionAnswers@sos.ms.gov , or visit  YallVote.ms .

Retired Hinds County Court Judge Melvin V. Priester Sr. died peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at his home in Jackson. He was 74. Funeral services are incomplete. Lakeover Memorial Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge or arrangements. Judge Priester concluded a public service career of nearly 40 years with nine and one-half years of service on the Hinds County Court. He was elected in a runoff to Sub-District 1 in November 2010 and took office on Jan. 4, 2011.  He retired on June 3, 2020, due to health issues. At the time Judge Priester retired, he said, "The time that I spent on the bench was certainly one of the most interesting and challenging periods of my life.  I thank all those folks who put me on the bench. I thank all of those folks with whom I had the opportunity to work." As he looked forward to retirement, he said, "I will just lean on the Lord and He will show me the way." Retired Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green said that Judge Priester's service reached far beyond his County Court courtroom. "He was my go-to to handle the overload." Judge Priester handled preliminary hearings and arraignments. The Circuit Court designated him as a special circuit judge to try cases in which litigants were willing to move to County Court, and he presided over felony guilty plea hearings. "That freed us (circuit judges ) in terms of being able to deal with the other matters," she said. He was already an experienced Circuit Judge.  In 2008, the Supreme Court appointed him as a Special Circuit Judge for Hinds County. He was one of several judges appointed by the Supreme Court  to address violent and drug related crimes. Court, He served for more than two years. Later, as a County Court Judge, Priester also dealt with preliminary matters in Circuit Court in many of the cases in which minors were charged as adults; the cases involved violent felony crimes. He helped the courts meet the requirement for providing a hearing before a judicial officer within 48 hours, Judge Green said. "I called upon him to make sure that was happening," she said. When COVID struck, he stepped in to help the circuit judges conduct hearings remotely for detainees at the Hinds County Detention Center. He also assisted the municipal courts by conducting some of the initial appearance hearings, she said. He had been a municipal judge for nearly three years in his earlier service. "He provided certainly a benefit not just to the County Court," Judge Green said. "Most people didn't know how much he was doing outside his elected position. Whatever we needed him to do, he was always there.  He was one of the people who was willing to do whatever it took to get things done." Judge Green said that Judge Priester was reluctant to retire. He felt a commitment to the Court and the litigants. Judge Priester had won re-election and had much of his term remaining when he stepped down. He said in an interview, "Due to my physical condition, I can no longer in good faith maintain my position....I think the people of Hinds County and from Sub-District 1 deserve someone who could better serve them." He suffered a stroke in March 2019. He had a heart stint, and he developed diabetes. Judge Priester's family said in a statement, "That response was typical of Judge Melvin Priester Sr. He was a public servant who tried to guide community residents and counsel courtroom defendants so they would not be defined by past mistakes, and he encouraged young people to dream big and seek higher goals.  For many years, he sponsored and/or coached football and soccer teams for young boys, and he successfully mentored older students to compete in debates and mock trial events. He coached mock trial teams at Lanier High School, Murrah High School, and Mississippi College School of Law.  He also coached little league baseball and earned a black belt in karate, which he later used in teaching karate to inner city children." Retired Hinds County Chancery Judge Patricia Wise said, "He was able to influence a lot of young people. He was very dedicated in helping with some of the mock trial competitions." She said, "There weren't many Jackson Public School predominantly black teams participating in the Mississippi mock trial competition" at that time. "He was committed to the next generation of lawyers." "Mel really added a lot to the legal profession," Judge Wise said. "The first impression that you always got of Melvin Priester Sr. is how intelligent, how intellectual and serious minded he was about his profession." He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education in 1972 and a Master of Education degree in rehabilitation counseling in 1973 from Boston University. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas Law School in Austin in 1986.  Before entering law school, he worked in the mental health field for 10 years. He was a rehabilitation counselor and program director at a residential treatment program for emotionally disturbed adolescents in Dorchester, Mass. He worked as a psychiatric social worker at a Houston, Texas, psychiatric hospital, as an assistant unit director of a Houston out-patient mental health clinic, and as unit director of a residential mental health treatment program in Houston. After moving to Mississippi, he served as a special assistant attorney general in the office of then-Attorney General Edwin Lloyd Pittman. Priester was assigned to health law matters from 1985 to 1987.  In 1988, he co-founded Priester Law Firm PLLC with attorney Elizabeth Charlene Stimley Priester. The firm continues under the leadership of Ms. Priester and their son, managing partner Melvin Priester Jr. A younger son, Jonathan Priester, is employed at Google headquarters in New York City  and serves on the Board of Trustees for Boston University, his father and mother's alma mater.

By Bob Garver             For better or worse, late September this year is certainly the time for animated robot movies. Fortunately, we got the “worse” out of the way last week with “Transformers One.” Now we can sit back and enjoy the “better” with “The Wild Robot.” Many people did indeed sit back and enjoy this movie, as the theater at my screening was more crowded than usual. The added cheering and laughter made the experience all the more endearing, and it was heartwarming to think of all the families bonding over their shared love of this movie.             Lupita Nyong’o stars as Roz, a robot programmed to help with tasks on a distant space colony. Something goes wrong with the delivery, and she winds up stranded on an island on Earth. Eager to help, but unable to find any humans to give her orders, she instead looks to the local animal population. She even takes the time to learn how animals communicate, to the point where she can filter their various squeaks, squawks, and other utterances into English in real time. And that’s how this becomes a talking animal movie.             Roz is eager to help, but the animals don’t necessarily want her help. Okay, they “decidedly” don’t want her help. At first, they’re all afraid of her, given that she’s gigantic, made of metal, dangerously confused, and relatively clumsy (she moves nimbly for a robot of her size, but isn’t built for the unpredictability of nature). Then they fight against her, knocking her down and stripping her of gears and features. She’s even attacked by her closest physical match, a bear named Thorn (Mark Hamill), who knocks down a cliff, causing her to crush a bird’s nest.             Roz sees that a single egg has survived, and the lifeform inside must be protected. She saves it from getting eaten by a fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal) by launching the predator into a porcupine, though she instinctively helps him remove quills afterward. The egg hatches, and the gosling, named Brightbill, doesn’t see why Roz can’t be mother material. Roz is prepared to be a helper, but not a primary caregiver. In other words, she doesn’t have any programming that makes her fit to be a mother. “No one does,” says opossum Pinktail (Catherine O’Hara), who becomes her mentor.             The rest of the movie is Roz trying to raise Brightbill (Kit Connor) as best as she can, knowing that she’ll have to teach him to swim, then fly, then leave for months on migration. The other geese tease him for coming from an unnatural family, but leader Longneck (Bill Nighy) sees that he only lives to help others, just like his adoptive mother. The migration makes for an adventure unto itself, as does Roz and the rest of the forest trying to make it through an unexpectedly harsh winter. On top of all that, Roz still recognizes an obligation to try to get to the human colony, and tracking robot Vontra (Stephanie Hsu) could arrive at any time. That the last matter probably should have been saved for a sequel is my only real gripe with the movie.             “The Wild Robot” came to theaters riding the single biggest wave of critical praise I’ve seen all year. The quantity of praise is well-deserved, as I can’t imagine anybody disliking this movie, but it might make it a tad vulnerable to expectations. I consider it “among” the best movies of the year, but I was never quite ready to hand it the top spot (still “Dune: Part Two,” by the way). Still, my heart melted at several points, whether it was from cuteness (the opossum family), sadness (the straining of the Roz/Brightbill relationship), or the sheer amount of love on display. By all means take the family to see this movie, turn it into a success, and encourage Hollywood to make more movies with this much heart.   Grade: B   “The Wild Robot” is rated PG for action/peril and thematic elements. Its running time is 101 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

By me Walmart, Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation announced an initial $6M commitment to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential supplies and grants to organizations providing relief.   As part of the commitment, Mississippi Walmart and Sam's Clubs customers can help support the relief efforts. From Sept. 30 to Oct. 13, Walmart will help magnify their impact by matching their donations to the American Red Cross 1:1, up to $2.5 million, when they donate to support hurricane relief at the registers in stores and clubs and on Walmart.com .   Walmart also is working with nonprofits and suppliers to bring much-needed resources into communities without access to power, such as free meals, WiFi hotspots, charging stations and laundry and shower services.   Throughout the recovery, Walmart will continue looking for ways to support associates, customers, members and their families.   For more information about specific relief efforts in the various states impacted by Hurricane Helene, visit Walmart's corporate announcement here  https://corporate.walmart.com/purpose/community/disaster-response/hurricane-helene .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Nope, don’t get your dander up (or your hopes up, depending on what you were hoping to read). I am not going to write about naked bodies and the image that phrase seems to conjure up to people. The focus of this column, the nakedness I am writing about? Your future. The naked, unvarnished truth straight out of the Bible, about your eternity. Sound totally boring? Okay, then simply go read something else that does appeal to you. You definitely have that right. But for those who realize down deep in their gut that they need to prepare for death and what will come next, this is written for you. Yes, I realize this is a far departure from what I normally write in this column. And I also realize many will resent it, and maybe even lodge complaints with their local newspaper editor. Maybe I will even lose a few papers who will refuse to carry my column any longer. But although that will hurt, it will not kill me. And those jabs at me will be worth it, knowing that maybe, just maybe, someone who has never read the Real Truth about their death and the eternity that follows, will read this and believe. They will have a chance to see how their present life can be different. And that their eternity can be safe, happy, secure, alive, and filled with purpose. So, here is the Naked Truth: There really is one God and He created it ALL. Jesus Christ, God’s sinless perfect Son, really alive.     No person has ever lived an absolutely sinless life… except for Jesus. There really is a huge penalty to be paid for sin. But that penalty is paid. Real. Final. Done. Because Jesus really did let Himself be crucified on a cross to pay the penalty for all our sin. Our sin condemns us to Hell when we die. Because heaven is perfect, no sinner can enter its gates. To escape hell and enter heaven at your death, realize are a sinner, admit it to yourself, confess it to Jesus, and take Him up on His offer to pay your debt to God. When you do, you really will be totally forgiven in your Creator’s eyes, because Jesus will have paid your entire debt. Then you live the rest of your life for God, trying to live who you really now are…sin-free. But if you refuse His offer and decide there is no eternity, no Hell or Heaven, then you will have to pay for your sins yourself when you die. The Bible says that will mean an eternity filled with regret and pain, knowing that it could have been so much different for you.   Eternity is like multiplying trillions and trillions of years by billions and billions of years –plus trying to empty one ocean into the other…one drop at a time. And that is only the beginning. Sermon done. Naked bare truth.

by me: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)   will soon begin a critical hydro-demolition project on the north and southbound I-55 bridges over the Pearl River in Jackson that will cause travel delays. "Over time, the high volume of traffic has caused these bridge decks to deteriorate. That is why once the Mississippi State Fair wraps up, we're going to remove and replace the bridge decks on I-55 over the Pearl River in Jackson to extend the life of these bridges," said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. "We want to inform local drivers that utilize this stretch of interstate regularly about these lane closures so they may begin planning alternate routes to avoid potential congestion." The work will involve the hydro-demolition of the existing I-55 bridge decks over the Pearl River and will require two lanes to be shut down at a time, leaving two travel lanes open in each direction. Crews will begin by closing the inside lanes first before swapping to the outside lanes. Although both directions of I-55 will remain passable, these lane closures will have a major impact on traffic. To limit congestion, especially during peak travel, MDOT advises motorists to utilize  these  alternate routes when possible: I-220 for I-55 through traffic SR 468 to SR 25 SR 475 to SR 25 Construction activities are currently expected to begin the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 15, with traffic reduced to two lanes in each direction soon after. MDOT will inform the public of the closure dates once determined. "We're grateful this work can be performed without a complete shutdown of I-55 in Jackson, but we understand this will still be an inconvenience. Please do your part by planning ahead, giving yourself some additional travel time and considering using any of the proposed alternate routes," said Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons. "This is a great investment in Mississippi's highway system and will improve safety and connectivity on I-55 in Jackson. To those that travel this area, please slow down, stay alert for changing travel conditions and roadside crews." Crews estimate the closures will be in place for the remainder of 2024, which will include hydro-demolition and new deck installation on the inside lanes in each direction before swapping to the outer lanes. Once work begins, message boards will be in place to alert drivers of the lane closures. "This stretch of I-55 sees an average of 113,000 vehicles daily and is a heavily utilized corridor by both local and commercial traffic. During the closure period, travel lanes will essentially be reduced by 50 percent; so, if you can avoid traveling this stretch of I-55 and use any of the proposed alternate routes, please consider doing so," said White. The $24.4 million contract was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. Stay updated on this project at  MDOTtraffic.com , download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X.