WHAT: With the passage of H.C.R. 60 by the Mississippi House of Representatives and the State Senate declared Mississippi the home of Southern Soul Music. Mississippi stands unparalleled in its historical contribution to American music. Among these musical treasures, Southern Soul music shines brightly, capturing the hearts of an ever-expanding audience each day. Mississippi, through iconic institutions such as Malaco Records, established in 1967, along with numerous private studios, has nurtured a rich environment for Southern Soul music, bringing to the forefront many talented artists, DJ’s, promoters, and music lovers. The follows the previous declaration of the City of Jackson in 2019 by the Councilman, now Commissioner De’Keither A. Stamps. WHO: Confirmed Attendance List: Bobby Rush, Arthur Young, Isaac Lindsey, Nellie Tiger Travis, Big Yayo, Vick Allen, Terry Wright, O. B. Buchana, Castro “Mr. Sipp” Coleman, LJ Echols, Stephanie Lukett, Young Guy, Soul City Sunz, Composition, DJ Black, Ragman, Mazerati Redd, Richard Bradley, Lamorris Williams, Robert L Jackson, Jacqueline Williams, Lee King, Christopher Mabry, Delo Brown, Big Mel, Harvey Brown (Breeze MrDo2Much), J’Cenae, Murindia Williams, Chantal Taylor, Miron Simpson, Monica Williams, Jerry Mason, Alice Luckett, Tornika Bell, Patricia Thomas Jones, DJ Pinki3, Odie Bridges, DJ “Big O”601, O Emmons, Pamela Jones, Ralph Smith, Leon jones, Patricia Thomas, Maronda Parker, Mr.Oboi /Oboi DeWayne, Vickie Shirley, Melodic Princess, Lateisha Bailey, Tre da Joker, Earl Jackson, Dennis Daniels. Action of 55 Boyz, Gold Gillis, Jake Carter, Bridget Shield, Ladie D, Davie McCullum, Mississippi HumminBoy, Latrell “milkman” knight, Da Kuntry Couple, Lady Jaide, Keneisha, Daddy Dave, Kountry Boy Kev, PREP CASHMERE, Desiree Sartin, Sherri ( Lady Redtopp) Hartwell, Rick Outlaw, Andria Scarbrough (MZ DRIA), Tyrone Davis, Kelly Crocker, Chad Barnes, The, Duchess Jureesa McBride, Vickie Baker, Eddie Simmons, DJ Bigg V, Elle Jai, The Real Dee Martin, MR REDBOY WHEN: Tuesday, May 14 at 2 p.m. WHERE: 2nd Floor Rotunda, New Capitol, 400 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201 More Details: There will be a reception to follow at M-Bar, 6340 Ridgewood Ct., Jackson, MS at 5 p.m.

In the coming weeks when you are grocery shopping, think about your letter carrier. Pick up some non-perishable food items, including cereal, pasta, pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals (such as soups, chili, and pasta), 100% juice, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned protein (tuna, chicken, and turkey), and beans. Saturday, May 11, will mark the 32nd anniversary of one of America's great days of giving --- the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive. Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers in Mississippi and across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in who need our help. Participating in this year's NALC Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive is simple. Just leave non-perishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox Saturday, May 11, and your city or rural letter carrier will do the rest. Nationwide, over 1.9 billion pounds of food has been collected in the past 30 years.

By Kara Kimbrough Ordinarily, I will entertain an alternate train of thought...but on this topic, I stand first. One of – if not THE – worst parts of cooking is dealing with the pile of dirty pots and pans that multiply during and after the cooking process. Inevitably, the sink is piled high with large objects to wash, no matter how simple the meal. Here’s a simple solution: tear off some aluminum foil, pile ingredients on top and place in the oven or on the grill. Voila! No dishes to wash! You’ve heard of “one pan” meals? How about “no pan” dinners, courtesy of foil that can be wrapped up and thrown in the trash once cooking is done. Another benefit of no pan dinners- they can be prepared the night before, refrigerated and baked or grilled 30-40 minutes before dinner is served. Here are recipes for three of my favorite no pan dinners. All you have to do is roll out the foil, pile on your favorite ingredients, bake and enjoy a "dish-free" evening. Beef and Potatoes Dinner 1-pound lean ground beef 1 package dry onion soup mix 4 small potatoes peeled and sliced 2 cups carrots chopped 1 large or 2 small onions, sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Cream of mushroom soup Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine ground beef and dry soup mix in a bowl. Form into four patties and set aside. In a large bowl combine all remaining ingredients except mushroom soup. Toss until well mixed. Spray 4 large pieces of foil with non-stick spray. Place ¼ of the vegetable mixture in the center of the foil. Top with one beef patty. Add two tablespoons of condensed mushroom soup on top of each patty. Repeat the same layers on 3 additional foil sheets. Wrap foil around ingredients, leaving space at the top for heat to circulate. Double fold the edges and crimp to seal. Also double fold and crimp ends. Place beef side up on a large baking sheet and bake 35-45 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Note: These foil packs can also be grilled at medium heat for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and ground beef reaches 160 degrees. Fish-in-Foil 5-6 fish filets (tilapia or redfish or your favorite fish) 1 large onion, sliced into thin rings 1 large baking potato, sliced thin 1 cup canola oil 1/2 cup lemon Tony Chacherie’s seasoning Mix oil and lemon juice together in a shaker. Take a large sheet of foil, spray lightly with cooking spray and place 2-3 place filets on foil, directly in center. Sprinkle with seasoning, then top with a layer of potatoes and then onions; pour a portion of oil/lemon mixture over layers. Repeat same thing with additional foil sheets. Wrap foil around ingredients, leaving space at the top of food for heat to circulate. Double fold the edges and crimp to seal. Double fold and crimp ends as well. Place packets on large baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until done. Makes 2-3 servings; double recipe as needed. Winner Chicken Dinner 1 pound chicken tenderloins or sliced chicken breasts 1 medium zucchini, chopped into 1-inch chunks 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 pound gold potatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon dried 4 tablespoons butter, cubed Salt and pepper, as needed Measure 4 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil to about 18 inches. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Layer chicken and veggies in a mound into the center of each sheet of foil, dividing ingredients evenly between all 4 sheets. Top with cubes of butter (1 tablespoon for each sheet of foil) and fresh herbs. Season heavily with salt and pepper, about 1/2 teaspoon of salt for each packet. Fold edges of foil over and crimp top edges and sides tightly to seal. If cooking on grill or fire, consider double wrapping to prevent tears in foil. To cook in oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes or until meat is cooked through and veggies are soft. Carefully open up foil packets as the steam inside is very hot. You can eat straight out of the foil or dump contents onto a plate. To cook on grill: Preheat grill to medium heat, about 400° and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until meat is cooked through and veggies are soft. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Ferriss Trophy presented by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Pearl River Resort. The Ferriss Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding college baseball player in the state of Mississippi. The trophy was named for Dave “Boo” Ferriss, long-time Delta State baseball coach. The finalists for the Ferriss Trophy are Brett Sanchez of Belhaven, Dakota Jordan of Mississippi State, Ethan Lege of Ole Miss, Dalton McIntyre of Southern Miss, and RJ Stinson of William Carey. The five finalists and their coaches will be recognized at a luncheon and program on Monday, May 20th at the Golden Moon Casino. Former Southern Miss Baseball Coach Scott Berry will be the featured speaker for the event. The luncheon is open to the public, but tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale now online at msfame.com or by calling the Hall of Fame offices at 601-982-8264. If you cannot attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the Hall of Fame website. All proceeds from the event benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Ferriss Trophy is a part of the Outstanding Player Awards Series which also recognizes the top college athlete in football with the C Spire Conerly Trophy and the top college men’s and women’s basketball players with the Howell and Gillom Trophies presented by MBCI and Pearl River Resort.

By Guest Columnist Wendy Bailey, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Mental Health With the arrival of May, we are not only greeted by the warmth of spring, but also by a call to prioritize an aspect of our lives too often overlooked—our mental health. May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, providing support and fostering understanding about mental health and treatment. We at the Department of Mental Health urge communities across the state to join together in acknowledging the importance of mental wellness and the resources available to support it. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to neglect our mental well-being amidst the myriad responsibilities and challenges we face. However, investing in our mental health is not just a personal choice—it's a social imperative. By prioritizing mental wellness, we not only enhance our individual lives but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of our communities. One crucial aspect of mental health awareness is early intervention. Just as we prioritize regular physical check-ups, it's essential to prioritize mental health screenings, as well. These screenings can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely interventions that can prevent the escalation of mental health challenges. Connecting with mental health services should not be seen as a last resort, but rather as a proactive step towards maintaining well-being. In Mississippi, there are eleven Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) that serve as invaluable resources, offering a range of services tailored to meet a person's needs. Whether it's counseling, therapy, peer support or crisis services, these centers can get Mississippians on their journeys to healing and recovery. However, seeking help can be daunting, often due to the misconceptions that surround mental health issues. We must work collectively to educate ourselves, replacing judgment with empathy and understanding. Mental health conditions are not a sign of weakness, but a natural part of the human experience. By normalizing conversations about mental health, we create a supportive environment where people feel empowered to seek the help they deserve. As renowned author Brené Brown once said, "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we'll ever do." Seeking help for our mental health is an act of courage, one that reflects a deep commitment to self-care and self-compassion. Moreover, it's essential to recognize that mental health is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. Just as we prioritize physical fitness through regular exercise and healthy habits, we must also prioritize our mental fitness through self-care practices, mindfulness and ongoing support. As we embark on Mental Health Awareness Month, let's come together as a community to prioritize mental wellness, support one another and break the silence surrounding mental health issues. Together, we can create a future where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health—a future where every individual can thrive. If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis or needs to speak to a trained counselor, call 988 24/7 to reach one of the call centers in Mississippi. You can also visit www.dmh.ms.gov and www.mentalhealthms.com for resources in your area.

By Bob Garver Since “Challengers” begins practically at the end of its story, I think I’ll begin this review by talking about the movie’s ending. It ends, as we see in early scenes and is pretty predictable anyway, with feuding tennis stars Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor) playing against each other in the finals of a tournament, with Art’s wife Tashi (Zendaya) watching from the stands. While ultimately one player will have to win and one will have to lose, the real winners are fans of great tennis. As with the match, “Challengers” doesn’t concern itself with things like results and fate, it just wants to give you a thrill in getting there. The 2019 match between Art and Patrick is a framing device that we see throughout the film, but the story is mostly told through flashbacks, not all necessarily told in order. We go as far back as 2006 when Art and Patrick were doubles champions and best friends. They found themselves both smitten with up-and-comer Tashi, and they invited her back to their shared hotel room. A minor conflict arose when the two couldn’t work out who between them would get some alone time with Tashi. They figured that she’d give an indication of who she’d prefer, but Tashi…didn’t pick a side. Maybe it’s just me reading too much into things, but I think the film’s advertising has implied that more happens in the ensuing encounter. It’s just a makeout scene with Tashi promising her phone number to the winner of an upcoming match between the two. Patrick wins the match and Tashi’s phone number, and he soon turns pro with Tashi as his girlfriend. Tashi and Art both attend Stanford with plans to turn pro after college, but also have some additional skills if tennis doesn’t work out. A jealous Art engineers a fight between Patrick and Tashi, and although he didn’t intend it to go quite so far, he’s the only one there to comfort Tashi when she suffers a career-ending injury on the court. Years later, Art has become an international superstar with Tashi as his wife and coach (though their marriage is hanging by a thread), while Patrick’s career and life have deteriorated so badly that he’s living out of his car. Apparently too much time away from Tashi will do that to a man. Art and Patrick both have to win this small-time tournament, Art to gain momentum going into the U.S. Open, Patrick to resurrect his fledgling career. Of course, they’re really battling over Tashi all over again, as well as trying to one-up each other. I mentioned this movie wanting to give its viewers a thrill on par with the intense final tennis match. After the early stages culminating in the scene in the hotel room, the movie pairs off Art, Patrick, and Tashi in combinations of two for the rest of the movie. The three banter, argue, and manipulate one another in a series of scenes whose snappiness is worthy of the comparison to a well-contested match. It’s not exactly a nail-biting intensity, but the three keep up with each other in a complimentary fashion. Where “Challengers” fell apart for me (aside from my inability to understand tennis scoring, so I kept thinking the climactic match was over when it wasn’t, which affected the movie’s momentum) was the utter un-likeability of the three main characters. Yes, they have good chemistry, but that’s just another way of saying that these miserable people all deserve one another. It’s one thing to cultivate conflicting opinions about who to root for because it makes for a lively debate. But did the movie have to make me wish that all three characters could lose somehow? I read an interview with Mike Faist where he described the characters’ dynamic as “everyone’s right and everyone’s wrong.” Ironically he’s only right about the “everyone’s wrong” part. Grade: C “Challengers” is rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and graphic nudity. Its running time is 131 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

By Kara Kimbrough Visitors from around the world flock to Natchez during all seasons, for every reason imaginable. It's true, the city's beautiful antebellum homes are a major tourism draw, but Natchez is much more than the sum total of its pilgrimages. You don't have to look far to find 10 additional things to do in one of the state's oldest cities. 1. "Take the carriage ride." It's an invitation you'll hear over and over as you walk along picturesque downtown streets. The offer is one you should take. Sit back in the horse-drawn carriage and let the driver and professional tour guide take you on a 45-minute tour. The tour offers a unique view of homes and landmarks without having to leave the comfort of your carriage. 2. Get a snapshot of Natchez in historic photographs. Located in the First Presbyterian Church's Stratton Chapel is a collection of more than 500 photographs depicting life along the river, area merchants and commerce, and the early families and children who shaped the historic city. 3. Exercise in a beautiful setting. No trip to Natchez is complete without a brisk hike along the scenic Natchez Trails. The trails are a combination of city streets and walkways dotted with interpretive panels depicting the history of the area in which you are walking. The trails run throughout the downtown area and along the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Pedestrians and cyclists can share parts of the trails, which wind to the edge of the river. 4.  Retail therapy is alive and well. Shopping is a way of life in Natchez, dating back to Natchez' first days as a crossroads for American trade from the Natchez Trace. With many antique stores (Franklin Street is referred to as "antique alley"), specialty shops, art galleries and locally owned treasure troves, you don't want to miss exploring the retail side of Natchez. 5.  Channel your adventurous side. Natchez is a paradise for adventurers and those who love being outdoors. The Natchez State Park features clean campsites and amenities. With the Mississippi River and several nearby lakes dotted throughout the area, swimming, fishing, bird-watching, kayaking and boating are yours for the picking. If water is not your thing, play golf, go hunting, or pick up a geocaching map and add a treasure hunt to your trip. 6. Explore the Indian village. Take the short drive out to the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and stroll the hallowed ground of the home of the city's original inhabitants. There are ceremonial mounds at the site, along with a replica of an Indian dwelling and a museum with artifacts that have been recovered over the years. 7. Great restaurants are as plentiful as antebellum homes. Shopping, hiking and exploring can work up an appetite. Some must-tries: • Biscuits & Blues, which helps perpetuate Natchez' reputation as biscuit capital of the world • Local favorite Roux 61 serves up notoriously huge portions of its delicious fare. • Stopping by Fat Mama's Tamales is a rite of passage in Natchez. *  The desserts at Mammy’s Cupboard are legendary. Try a slice of the mile-high meringue pie served atop a variety of flavors. Tip: you won't go wrong with a slice of my favorite, coconut cream pie! 8. Visit King Cotton for a day. Don't care to visit an antebellum mansion? Then stop by Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins for a more down-to-earth look at what it took to make cotton king. You'll tour the 1,800-acre working plantation, complete with several restored slave cabins and a 19th-century cotton gin replica. Weather permitting, drag a sack through the fields and pick your own cotton. 9.  Visit the Turning Angel at the Natchez City Cemetery. It sounds a bit strange to consider a cemetery a major must-see, but once you glimpse the beauty of the Natchez City Cemetery and learn the history of some of the characters buried there, you'll understand why. One of the most famous attractions is the Turning Angel, the statue that some say appears to turn when they drive by it at night. The statue is such a Natchez landmark, it inspired the title of the novel "Turning Angel" by bestselling author and Natchez native Greg Iles. Take a self-guided tour of the cemetery with a brochure and map or hire a tour guide to provide history lessons and details of the deceased. Tombstone inscriptions, embellished by romantic and mysterious tales, draw portraits of the departed interned in this historic, beautiful place. 10.  Explore Natchez' ghostly side. If the cemetery tour whets your appetite for "the other side," sign up for a ghost tour conducted by locals. You'll get a firsthand look at Natchez' "inhabited" buildings and hear stories of their tenants' wanderings. The ghostly getaways include drives to view local haunts and legends as well as a journey down through "occupied" spaces. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Mika Hartman The word “audible” automatically makes us think American football; I can hear Peyton Manning yelling “Omaha” as I am typing. Actually, calling an “audible” can be applied to most everything we do. Some people are great with the quick pivoting and some have difficulty in change(s) to routine. In my world, “audibles” are a must. I actually seek those who can make changes quickly to best serve Hudson. It’s a game changer for our family. Every year, we visit several medical specialist here locally, some out of town and even a couple out of state. I call everyone on our team “Team Hudson the Strong”. Now that Hudson is 6, I have had many years of figuring out what works best, what he will tolerate and what we just have to “grin and bear” and get through. The people and professionals who call “audibles” for Hudson are my faves. They see him, truly see him, and call plays according to his behaviors during this visit, not solely to their checklist. Example of an audible: Hudson has sensory issues with his dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. Brushing his teeth, trimming his nails, cutting his hair, etc., all cause him to become very upset. If you know me, you know I often say, “Momma tried, momma failed, but I tried”… I will always try and pivot as needed. This is because I know one day the “momma failed” part will be omitted. I know one day, this will be easier for Hudson. And when “audibles” get called, it helps us get closer to this goal and more quickly. Last month, I called an audible and switched Hudson’s dentist to a new one, new to Hudson. Our last one wanted to start using a restraining board. Nope. I chose to go with someone that we already have a relationship with the family; this family also has a EXTRA bundle of joy. Making this change was easy, because I knew the understanding was built-in; however, I still had not taken Hudson to see if the fit was right. Boy, it was! The entire staff all “called plays” as we went. The first one being the dreaded paperwork for a new patient. I ran in and left Hudson and Henley, my 16 year old daughter, in the car. Hudson has a true sixth-sense about medical buildings and scrubs… all are bad. Avoid, if possible. So, the lady at the front desk gave me what was needed, told me what I could skip, and let me fill out in the car. After we went in, they called us back quickly, second good “play call”. Then, the dental hygienist realized the challenges we had and brought the dentist straight back to look FIRST. Hudson is 6 and this was the first time we 1) saw the dentist first 2) our dentist had me hold Hudson like a lap hug and lay him back into his lap. Hudson did awesome; he was way more relaxed, no papoosing or restraining him causing more fear. Lastly, the dental hygienist watched and learned this method, too. She used the same way to clean Hudson’s teeth. Our best dental experience to date. All because our new dental team each called “audibles” for Hudson… and mommy, too. Our pediatrician and team all work amazing for Huddy and his care: audibles, new play calls, outside the box thinking and listening. Example of sticking to the checklist: When we go to doctors appointments I can feel Hudson getting tense; but, I can also feel me getting tense too. I know some nurses or staff will absolutely not make changes to a routine and the weight of this can be heavy. When you or I go see the doctor we understand the whole “first, then” of what’s to come. Hudson is already on high alert. Hudson: “Will they need blood?”, “Will they need to stick instruments in my ears?”, “Will they hurt me?” It’s a very different experience for Huddy. He’s not wrong. He has been to enough clinics and through enough appointments to know what might happen. So if you are determined to get a blood pressure, well, good luck. All that is going to happen is try, retry, retry, retry, give up and leave Hudson even more distrusting. He has been bruised by the cuff, restrained to the point of choking on tears and snot, and has even cause bruising to his spine from the force he’s using to be free. It is awful. And when you get the “let’s try again”, it feels devastating. Oh, and, now let’s look at or listen to his heart. Really? It will not be accurate, he’s just been put through major anxiety and I am pretty sure the information is all inaccurate. What an audible here could be is to get the most important data needed at the start and then worry about blood pressure, height, weight, etc. Working backwards would ensure that the reason for the appointment was met. Yes, I agree that all information might be required for the full picture, but any good assessment is better than the whole thing going poorly and always talking about sedation. These conversations always lead to more appointments. Counterproductive. Call a darn audible. Help, not force. The audible might not work, I know. Trying is the key to finding out what will work better. Our next trip to see the dentist, Hudson might not lay back. New may have to pivot again. And that’s okay. It’s the willingness to pivot that matters. If it was a life or death, do whatever you need. If we want Hudson to ever be okay, you can’t hurt him at every visit with you. I know the staff gets frustrated. Guess what? So do I. Talking quietly when we come in never helps, working with us seems like a better conversation that we should have together. If we had more options of “specialist” on the coast, I would have already called for some new players on our team. I share this to say to people “be aware of your surroundings”. The way you would want to be treated is exactly how we do too. It may look different, but our need to do all of these appointments is great and shouldn’t be so difficult. We recently took Hudson to Great Wolf Lodge for his birthday. Our first evening after the drive we only had time to play in the main lobby area and go to dinner. Hudson was having a great time and then he tripped on a ramp. CJ heard the parents of the other children playing, telling them to back away and don’t look. Seriously? As a parent, you just missed a beautiful opportunity to call your own audible and teach your kids to be better humans. Down syndrome is not contagious; however, the world would have more love if it was. There are already challenges we face, and it should not be in our healthcare team, too. When life throws you negative looks, negative comments, negative vibes even, the least your own team should do is what is best for your child. These are the reasons why I will always advocate. Hudson makes the world more beautiful; calling EXTRA audibles could make his world a little easier, and we are grateful to those on our team who do.

By Bob Garver After last week’s heavy, serious, ultraviolent “Civil War,” I needed a movie like the lighter, sillier, also ultraviolent “Abigail.” Is this film as intelligent and thought-provoking as last week’s offering - a film that still rules the box office, by the way? No. Is this film going to leave much of an impact on popular culture? Probably not – it doesn’t do much to stand out from similar movies, some from the same people that made this movie. But would I pick “Abigail” over “Civil War” to watch in my free time because it’s much more fun? Oh, yes. The film starts out as a kidnapping thriller. A team of strangers work together to abduct 12-year-old Abigail (Alisha Weir) from her family’s home and take her to a mysterious mansion overseen by Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito). He insists on taking everyone’s phones and tells them not to give each other personal details like their real names, though he assigns them nicknames based on the Rat Pack (seems like the kind of detail that should have been worked out ahead of the actual kidnapping, but you’ll be asked to suspend disbelief much further by the movie’s end). Lambert just needs the team to watch the girl for 24 hours while he does Head Kidnapper stuff, during which time Joey (Melissa Barrera) is the only one allowed to tend to Abigail, so she doesn’t see anyone else’s face. Assuming nothing goes wrong, they’ll soon be able to go their separate ways with their share of a $50 million ransom. Things go wrong. We spend a few scenes getting to know the team. The aforementioned Joey is a recovering drug addict that just wants to pull this one job and then be a doting mother to her estranged son. Frank (Dan Stevens) is a former cop that has thus far kept his obvious anger issues in check, but looks like he could snap at any moment. Peter (Kevin Durand) is a dumb musclehead that wants people to think of him as more than a dumb musclehead, but is too much of a dumb musclehead to figure out how to change his image. Rickles (William Catlett) is a former soldier clearly harboring many secrets. Sammy (Kathryn Newton) is a spoiled rich kid that turned to a life of crime out of sheer boredom. And Dean (Angus Cloud) is a 99%-useless idiot that happens to have a talent for driving. I mean no disrespect to Cloud, who passed away last year, but this is a movie where characters are expected to be killed off, and I was hoping that Dean would go early. Given how much effort Cloud clearly put into making Dean annoying, I’m sure he’d take me rooting for the character’s death as a compliment. But then there’s Abigail herself, and although I don’t want to go too far into spoilers, she turns out to be a doozy of a kidnapping victim. In one swift shift, this goes from a movie about a little girl being locked in with six kidnappers to a movie about the kidnappers being locked in with… what they thought was a little girl. She’s not happy with the kidnappers or what they’ve done in the past. Alliances and deals are made and broken to avoid slaughter at Abigail’s tiny little hands or huge deadly fangs. “Abigail” isn’t necessarily a great movie by itself, but it works well as something to hold over certain horror fans. Upset that the “Scream” series is in limbo? Here’s a movie from Radio Silence, the directors of “Scream VI,” plus star Melissa Barrera. Can’t wait until next year for “M3GAN 2.0”? Get your dancing little psycho girl fix here. Sorely miss people exploding like bloody water balloons like in Radio Silence’s 2019 horror hit “Ready or Not”? This movie just might have you covered. History will probably see “Abigail” as a middling horror movie at best, but here and now it earns bonus points for coming along at the right time. Grade: B- “Abigail” is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Do they bother you? Do walls and fences cause claustrophobia in you? How about locked doors and gates? Do they bring about a fierce need to find the key and escape? The obvious answer for most of us is, “Well, it depends. Am I trapped inside those barriers, or protected by them? Totally logical thinking. But the problem is that we humans are not always logical. Especially when it comes to our freedom. One tiny whiff of a suspicion that we are trapped in a situation, and some of us can begin to panic. Walls and locked doors that earlier brought about a feeling of security suddenly feel as if they are part of a prison. That situation is now seen in an entirely different light. Everything that was once viewed as normal and good is now the opposite, and anxiety can easily follow. “Katie-bar-the-door-and-prepare-thyself, ‘cause that door’s comin’ open!” There is just something within us that makes us fearful of not being able to run free, wherever and whenever we choose. Now, let’s look at a totally different scenario. You find yourself in a room with a locked closet, and suddenly you can easily have a whole different reaction. Hell and high water probably can’t stop you from wanting to find a way to compromise that lock. Nosy curiosity is a big motivator. But how about if it’s walls and locked doors that actually are meant to protect and shelter us? A whole different story. “Of course we need them. After all, in this crazy world that seems to be getting crazier every minute, I need all the protection I can get. And fences? Yep, I have the right to keep people on their side of the fence.” Funny stuff. The very same things - walls, locked gates and doors. But they bring out opposite emotional reactions in people, depending on their viewpoint. Maybe – just maybe, there is a lesson to be learned from walls, gates and doors. We need to make certain our reaction to them is a logical and reasonable one. Sometimes the irrational side of our brain causes us to fear what isn’t really a threat. We can perceive danger in a situation, when it is actually just a form of a flashback. Back to a circumstance when walls and doors truly were scary and dangerous. Of course we do need to be able to recognize bad walls and locked doors, to get away and protect ourself. But we also need to realize not all walls and doors are scary. They may be there for your protection, and you are not seeing them for what they really are. Remember, some rules and regulations are not made to harm you. I am specifically referring to The Ten Commandments written in your Bible. They are not there to take away the fun in your life and trap you. The One who created you only wants to help you.

By Kara Kimbrough Saying anything negative about local supermarkets goes against my beliefs. The 12+ years I worked for a supermarket chain still rank near the top of best work experiences of all time (flying around in the private jet didn’t hurt) and gave me a lifelong appreciation for neighborhood grocery stores. Fast forward to today and I’m happy to see shoppers in local stores instead of buying food online. So, advising against purchasing supermarket products – in this case, frozen meatballs and rotisserie chicken – is a little shocking. But hear me out before you judge too harshly. First, I have valid reasons for preferring not to buy rotisserie chicken. In the interest of staying off supermarkets’ bad list, I won’t share them here. I know they’re popular with some shoppers and that’s perfectly fine. Additionally, I don’t care for frozen, premade meatballs, probably because the homemade ones are so easy to make and taste, well, much better. And here’s another reason to make your own – they can be used as the base for tons of delicious recipes instead of boring browned ground beef. Personally, I love having extras in the freezer that I can pull out and defrost when I’m in the mood for spaghetti and meatballs. I make a few dozen at a time and freeze them in small batches. While this may sound very similar to using frozen meatballs from the supermarket, there’s a big difference between the two. I made them, I know what’s in them and unlike some (not all) products, all my ingredients are pronounceable. The Junior League of Jackson’s Come On In! cookbook published the recipe for Cinnamon Pepper Chicken over 30 years ago. It’s withstood the test of time and remains a favorite of many to this day. In fact, one friend says her family will revolt if she doesn’t make the dish weekly for dinner. I hope I’ve convinced you that making your own meatballs and baked whole chicken is worth the time and effort. Trust me, the taste alone will sway you if I haven’t. In the meantime, try these recipes - I can almost guarantee you’ll need no further encouragement from me to make meatballs and chicken at home. Cinnamon Pepper Chicken 1 whole chicken (4 pounds) 1-1/2 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon allspice Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Clean chicken and season well inside and out, with salt, peppers, cinnamon and allspice. Bake, uncovered, 2-1/2-3 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices Recipe from Come On In! by Junior League of Jackson Favorite Homemade Meatballs 1 pound ground chuck 1 large egg, beaten 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (can substitute packet of Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix instead) 2 teaspoons minced garlic 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the meat, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, garlic, salt and pepper, and parsley. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the meat mixture. Form into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake uncovered 17 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle. Turn halfway through to brown evenly. Americanized Crockpot Swedish Meatballs 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can beef broth, low sodium 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 packet Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix 20-25 meatballs (I prefer homemade, but you can use frozen version; defrost before using) 16-ounce carton sour cream Large bag of wide egg noodles Place first 5 ingredients into a Crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. At the end of cooking (and when meatballs are done if using frozen variety), add sour cream. Stir and replace lid; cook 15-20 minutes while boiling egg noodles. When noodles are done, drain and add to Crockpot, stirring to combine. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Renowned singer-songwriter Tommy Rice is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of his latest singles, "All My Love I Give To You" and "Little Girl on the Corner." These emotionally charged tracks showcase Rice's unique ability to weave poignant storytelling with soul-stirring melodies, offering listeners a glimpse into his profound journey of love, loss, and faith. Rice's musical journey began after he tragically lost his beloved wife, Deborah, to an aggressive form of brain cancer. Throughout her battle, the couple leaned on their unwavering faith in God, finding solace and strength in each other's love. Three years later, Deborah's passing inspired Rice to channel his grief into creative expression, leading him to discover his passion as a songwriter and author. Driven by a newfound purpose, Rice poured his heart and soul into his craft, penning over 215 songs in just a few short years. Despite his initial lack of experience, Rice's talent quickly gained recognition, with 117 of his compositions recorded and 12 reaching number one status. His accolades include nominations for prestigious awards such as Crossover Artist of the Year and Country Breakthrough Artist of the Year, as well as victories in categories like Country New Group of the Year and IMN Inspirational Song of the Year. Rice's impact extends far beyond the confines of his home country, with his music resonating with audiences worldwide. His songs have garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube and earned him a dedicated following in countries spanning from England to China. In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Rice was honored to become a member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the International Singer Songwriter Association (ISSA). With the release of "All My Love I Give To You" and "Little Girl on the Corner," Tommy Rice invites listeners to embark on a journey of love, resilience, and hope. These poignant compositions serve as a testament to Rice's unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to sharing meaningful stories through music. But the journey doesn't end here. Tommy Rice has several more projects in the works, with a new single slated for release on May 15th. Stay tuned for more heartfelt music from this talented artist. For more information and to listen to Tommy Rice's music, visit: YouTube: [YouTube.com/@TommyRice] Facebook: [Facebook.com/TommyRiceMusic] Instagram: [Instagram.com/TommyRiceMusic] Twitter: [Twitter.com/TommyRiceMusic1] Official Website: [TommyRiceMusic.net] Contact: Tommy Rice Songwriter tommyricemusic@gmail.com