By Bob Garver Last week I wrote about “Mean Girls” and the problem of having seen a version of the movie before, which made it too familiar and predictable. I meant it in a very literal sense – there was a 2004 movie called “Mean Girls,” written by Tina Fey, with basically the same characters and story (though no musical numbers, those were a nice addition). Now I’m making the same complaint about “The Beekeeper,” but in a figurative sense. There is no other movie called “The Beekeeper” that resembles this movie or involves the same people, nor is this movie technically based on any other intellectual property. And yet you’ll know what I mean when I say that I’ve seen this movie so many times before. Jason Statham plays Adam Clay, a drifter given work by the kind Eloise (Phylicia Rashad). Online scammers take every penny of Eloise’s savings, including over $2 million earmarked for charity. Eloise’s FBI agent daughter Verona (Emmy Raver-Lampman) gets involved and has Clay arrested. He complies with the arrest, but this is the kind of character that only complies because he cares about Verona’s peace of mind and not because he is actually conceding power. He’s soon released, and while he has no hard feelings toward Verona, he does want to shut down the scammers permanently. They don’t know it, but they’ve made an enemy of the world’s deadliest assassin. Clay starts out burning down the call center where the scammers worked, but of course the path of destruction doesn’t stop there. He works his way up to the highest levels of the operation, inching ever-closer to… “mastermind” isn’t really the word here, but figurehead Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson). Danforth has the help of his powerful mother (Jemma Redgrave) and a former CIA director (Jeremy Irons), who’s smart enough to have a great deal of respect for Clay. Verona is assigned to bring down Clay for his unlawful actions, and she’s really good at figuring out where he’s going to go next. She’s not good at knowing what to do with this information once she figures it out, but no one else on the law enforcement side is doing any better. It seems the bad guys kicked a hornets’ nest and angered a guy that was once assigned to protect the hive that is the United States. Also he had an amateur beekeeping/honey collecting operation in the barn where he lived. The movie makes every bee joke and metaphor it can muster, because the beekeeping gimmick is the only thing separating this movie from hundreds like it where an apparent nobody or everyman turns out to be an unstoppable action hero. Ten years ago, Liam Neeson was the face of this genre, though it’s not like Hollywood hasn’t been mining this formula for decades. “The Beekeeper” doesn’t do too much to stand out from the swarm, but it’s enjoyable at times. Statham is his usual charming self, some of the action set pieces are pleasingly implausible, and the scummy bad guys are fun to punish. If you’re looking for nothing more than a movie where the most fun comes from speculating if the villain of the moment will get gunned down or blown up, this might be the movie for you. I’m looking for something where I can get a little more invested in the characters and story, which is why I can’t recommend it. I know this movie probably wants me to give it the next letter grade up, but I’m afraid it will have to settle for a… Grade: C “The Beekeeper” is rated R for strong violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexual references and drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Take a good look. It’s always there, part of a healthy, whole hand. Hold up your hand and you’ll see it. The one digit that is pointing the opposite of the other four fingers, every time. Oh yeah, you can force it to go along with all the others, but you do have to work at it. Usually, it just naturally sticks out to the side, like “a sore thumb.” It’s always just a little different and obstinately curving away from all the others - but it sure serves a great purpose. Try this. Tuck away the thumb on your hand, and try to do any small physical task with your remaining four fingers. Write, pick up anything, or stir with a spoon. Doable, but a lot more difficult, huh? Because the thumb has the responsibility of creating an opposing force to the fingers, it allows us to grab an object. Its very nature is to be in opposition, and it’s very good at what it does. Same thing seems to occur in human groups. Put more than two people together and you sooner or later you will spot “the thumb.” The one who just naturally seems to be different from everyone else in their ideas and beliefs. As if it’s their job to be the opposition in most situations, and believe me, they are totally up for it. But just like the real thumb on a hand, “the thumb” on a committee, or at a party, or in any kind of work or social group usually serves a purpose. And it’s not to sound good, or act pretty, or likable – that really isn’t their focus. In fact, they can come across as the very opposite of pretty. But still, the thumb of the group does have a practical function. Just like the thumb on your hand, an opposing force is created. And ideas that have been easily accepted by everyone else get challenged. Though that may get irritating, it can serve the group well. When ‘The Thumb’s new opposing ideas get tossed into the mix they may undoubtedly create animosity – but at the same time those new ideas start people to actually thinking. And that is never a bad thing. Because it causes those accepted ideas to be defended and developed better than the original. Just like the Creator had a great idea when the thumb was designed to be in opposition, The Thumb in your group is probably a good addition. Sure, I realize that the sore thumb always seems to stir up trouble and cause friction…but he or she may be exactly what your committee or workplace needs, to keep from becoming run-of-the-mill and stale. After all, it’s the spices you add to your soup that prevent it from being bland. And bland soup is rarely in demand. So learn to thank God for that sore thumb of your group. And learn to be patient.

By Kara Kimbrough One thing you can always count on when frigid temperatures envelope Mississippi – grocery store shelves are swept bare in mere hours and everyone begins sharing photos of whatever it is they’re cooking. In the case of most of my acquaintances last week, it was soup, stew, chili and without fail, a skillet of cornbread. For some reason, cornbread appears to be making a comeback and I’m not sure why. In my opinion, it never went out of style. It’s inexpensive, relatively easy to make and if made from scratch (not from a box or bag), it’s filling and delicious. Speaking of the box, I was sorely let down by Famous Dave’s Original Cornbread Mix. It's a new product (or at least to me) that I picked up recently while shopping. I had high hopes for the outcome, especially since the brand is known for innovative barbecue sauces, spices, rubs, pickles and more. However, one slice of the finished product told me Famous Dave is not from the South. The cornbread was edible, but entirely too sweet. Southerners know this important fact: cornbread is NOT meant to taste like cake. If we want cake, we make cake. When we crave cornbread, we produce a skillet of somewhat coarse bread that does not, under any circumstance, taste sweet. Finding a cornbread recipe I actually liked and that wasn’t dry has been a challenge. I’ve finally settled on a buttermilk-based recipe that, if I don’t let it bake too long, is moist and flavorful. Don’t get me wrong; quick mixes like Martha White cornbread in a bag and Jiffy Mix in the little blue box serve various purposes. It’s entirely respectable to use either one of these mixes when making dishes like cornbread salad or ones that require a cornbread topping. But they definitely won’t do when it’s time for cornbread dressing or it’s soup, chili or black-eyed pea time. All the photos of cornbread this past week spurred me to organize my recipes of southerners’ favorite bread in a special section of my go-to binder. Here are two of my cornbread-centric recipes that’ll help you make it through the next cold spell. Best Buttermilk Cornbread 2 large eggs 1-½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup shortening 1 tablespoon baking powder ¾ teaspoon salt 1-¾ cup corn meal (not self-rising) 1 cup flour, all purpose (not self-rising) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a cast iron skillet, add shortening and place in the oven to melt as the oven heats up. Mix all dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until incorporated. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the dry ingredients to the eggs and mix.  Add the milk and hot fat from the pan and mix gently until incorporated.  Add batter to the hot skillet and cook for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Chicken Enchilada Bake 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce ¼ cup water 1 envelope taco seasoning mix 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained ¼ cup cream cheese 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese blend, or more to taste 1 (7.5-ounce) package corn bread mix 1 egg ⅓ cup milk Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish. Mix tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning mix, and chili powder together in a saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown chicken tenderloins on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Pour tomato sauce mixture over the chicken, bring to a simmer, and cook over medium-low heat until chicken tenderloins are no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl and shred; return shredded chicken to the sauce. Mix in black beans and cream cheese until thoroughly combined. Pour chicken mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with shredded Mexican cheese. Whisk corn bread mix, egg, and milk in a bowl, and spoon the batter over the chicken mix. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling and the corn bread topping is browned and set, about 30 minutes. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Teaming up with Hinds County 4-H, individuals of every age group are encouraged to embrace a healthy habit throughout February by exclusively consuming water (excluding soda or sugary juices). Participants have the option to enhance their water by adding fruits or vegetables. As an incentive, the library will award a prize to each patron successfully completing the 29-day water consumption challenge by the end of the month. It's a refreshing initiative that not only promotes hydration but also fosters a sense of well-being within the community. Join the challenge and celebrate a month of wellness with Hinds County 4-H and the library! For more information you can contact the Annie Thompson Jeffers Library at 601-866-4247.

Bolton Baptist Church recently welcomed Jonathan Poe as their new pastor. Poe is a 2017 graduate of Mississippi College, where he studied Christian studies and history. He has a M. Divinity in church history from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Poe’s wife, Taylor, has a doctorate in math from Mississippi College, where she currently teaches in the math department. “The Lord moved us to the Bolton community two and a half years ago,” notes Poe. “During that time, we have grown to love the people and enjoy the land He has given us. Almost every day, I have driven by Bolton BC (three and a half miles from our house) without knowing eventually He would call me to serve this wonderful family. I am excited to serve as pastor to this community we have called home for the last two years!” After receiving a unanimous vote from the congregation to serve as their pastor, Poe’s first Sunday preaching for Bolton Baptist Church was December 10, 2023.

Bolton, Mississippi faced a water situation during the recent winter freeze when a vital storage tank overflowed due to a malfunctioning sensor. The extreme cold had frozen the sensor, rendering it ineffective and allowing the tank to surpass its capacity. Residents were asked to conserve water amidst the frigid weather. Swift action was taken as the sensor problem was identified and promptly fixed. This incident underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure to severe weather and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance, especially in adverse conditions. With the sensor now restored, the town can breathe a sigh of relief, ensuring a more resilient water supply system.

Walmart invites Mississippi residents to get a healthy start to the new year with the first Wellness Day of 2024, happening this Saturday, January 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers can receive free glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure screenings as well as affordable immunizations like COVID-19, flu, RSV, tetanus, hepatitis, HPV and more at pharmacies nationwide. Walmart is collaborating with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to educate Mississippi communities about Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers. According to the ACS, Mississippi ranks last of all states for 1st dose of HPV vaccine for 9–12-year-olds (56.2%). ACS volunteers will also be on hand at select Walmart stores in Mississippi to share educational materials on HPV as part of Wellness Day. Interview availability: Local Walmart pharmacists can be made available for interviews on or before Saturday, Jan. 20 to discuss its importance and impact on Mississippi communities. Additionally, in-store giveaways and demos of nutrition, lifestyle and wellness products will be available at select stores. Please see additional information on Walmart’s Newsroom and visit Walmart.com/wellnesshub to find a local Wellness Day near you.

By Bob Garver Of all the pop culture institutions to be cancelled, ended, or otherwise shut down by the pandemic in 2020, the permanent closure of the “Mean Girls” Broadway musical was perhaps the one that disappointed me the most. I’m not sure why it wasn’t brought back post-pandemic – ticket sales had clearly been healthy enough to keep me from scoring cheap seats during its two-year run – all I knew was that the show was gone and I had missed all 833 chances to see it live. But then a ray of hope appeared when it was announced that the musical, which itself was based on the 2004 movie, which itself was based on a book, was going to become a movie. I immediately got my hopes up, this movie would be the payoff to six long years of waiting. With my expectations that high, is it any wonder I found the movie disappointing? The story follows shy teenager Cady (Angourie Rice) as she navigates her first high school in the United States after moving from Kenya with her mother (Jenna Fischer). She’s a great academic, impressing her math teacher Ms. Norbury (Tina Fey, who played the role in the original film and is the writer of all three versions of the property), but lacking in social graces. Outcasts Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey) invite her to be their lunchroom companion, but she can’t help but be drawn to the ultra-popular Plastics clique, led by the domineering Regina George (Renee Rapp). Regina and the Plastics are surprisingly receptive to Cady and invite her to join the group. She isn’t really comfortable around the chic Regina and her friends, busybody Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and vacuous Karen (Avantika), but Janis convinces her that it will be so fun to infiltrate the group and report back on how catty and ridiculous they are. This of course makes Cady and Janis just as catty and ridiculous as the Plastics, but they don’t pick up on it until it’s too late. Meanwhile, Cady develops a crush on Regina’s ex Aaron (Christopher Briney), and when she learns that Plastics rules forbid dating him, she schemes to work around the system, manipulate Aaron into liking her, and usurp Regina’s popularity. In other words, she takes to being a “mean girl” more easily than she thought possible. The musical numbers are certainly fun, if not particularly memorable. It’s hard not to get swept up in just how endearingly dramatic these kids are, which the singing and dancing compliment perfectly. I have no problem believing that this movie will create just as many breakout stars as the 2004 film. But seeing them on a cramped set isn’t the same as seeing them on a nice open stage. There are sequences in houses and classrooms that are undeniably impressive and no doubt a lot of hard work went into them, but that’s the problem, it’s hard not to think about how much work went into them. Somehow it’s perfectly believable that these characters would break into song and dance, but I have a hard time believing that they would choose to do this much limb-flailing choreography in such a tight space. I think the bigger problem with this version of “Mean Girls” is that it may be too soon to remake a movie from 2004, even with the change-up of musical numbers. The original is so fresh in the audience’s mind that they know the progression of the story and in some places can quote the dialogue word-for-word, which includes stepping on some integral punchlines. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows (as the school’s principal) reprise their roles without singing, and it’s less a welcome nostalgia act and more of an unflattering copy. Still, I’d like to see the movie become a hit, partly because I want to reward its infectious energy and partly because I’d like to see it lead to a revival of the Broadway show so I can finally see the musical the way it was intended. Grade: C “Mean Girls” is rated PG-13 for sexual material, strong language, and teen drinking. Its running time is 112 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Most Valuable Player. Depends upon the perspective and opinion of the person watching the game. Does he believe that it should be the player who scored the most points? Or is he of the opinion that the MVP can be a player who kept successfully setting up the offense for the one who did all the scoring? Or maybe, it might be the clever and creative coach behind the scenes who taught those players how to be winners? An MVP winner is a varied and ever-moving target – largely depending on the one who is speaking. But what about the MIP – which one should be called the Most Irrelevant Player of the game? You can certainly gather a range of passionate answers to that one. Usually based on expectations that were left laying in the mud on the field. When a person has a firm opinion of how a position should be played and the player…ummmm, doesn’t, that alone can bring on a verbal attack of “MIP of the Game.” Even though the player may have played his position exactly as his coach asked of him for that particular game day. So, to me, these two categories of award winners, MVP and MIP, are pretty nebulous, as they are based upon the beliefs, expectations, and whims of the voter. And yet, those titles bestowed upon an estactic MVP winner or a dejected MIP have enormous power. Power to bolster someone’s self-esteem and public popularity. To say nothing of monetizing.  Or conversely, power to harm the player’s belief in himself and also leave him wide open to public resentment and ridicule. All founded upon the varying opinions of the spectators. And their wildly varying degrees of education, training and experience.  My personal opinion? MVPs and MIPs awards are influenced by way too many variables to even be considered as viable to an objective and intelligent person. Considering the inherent negative power they hold, they should be considered as ‘dangerous weapons only to be used sparingly.’ Yes, I am aware, by now many of you are yelling “If a kid is the winner, then acknowledge him as the winner! Quit being someone who encourages kids to be “Snowflakes!” I agree, we don’t need snowflakes who can’t stand up to the heat of being a loser, who have to be protected from the pain of not winning. Not what I’m talking about. I am simply saying that MVP and MIP are extremely subjective. It all depends upon the speaker – the one who has the most powerful lungs and the largest audience. The players those particular loudmouths nominate can easily become the winners of MVP or MIP. If you have a group who listens avidly to your opinion, be careful. You carry a very big stick and even bigger sway. Sway for which the passing of time will hold you accountable. Use your opinions and your influence wisely. And I’m not simply referring to sports, but you knew that.

By Kara Kimbrough Just when I think there's no way on earth anyone can create a new recipe, the internet surprises me. I own and regularly peruse many cookbooks, but similarly spend time checking out "trending" recipes online and on social media sites. Unbelievably, new and in some cases, recycled recipes pop up almost every day, including what seems like hundreds of ways to make salads, a favorite of Gen X cooks and fledgling chefs. Speaking of salads, ideas that I've actually used include grating raw Brussels sprouts and kale to combine with tastier greens like iceberg and Romaine lettuce and using a mandolin to chop lettuce into small pieces reminiscent of restaurant salads. A simple yet "recycled" way to make a loaded salad includes laying a bowl with greens, protein, vegetables, dried cranberries, chopped fruit and favorite crunchy toppings like croutons and won ton strips, then shaking everything together in a sealed bowl after applying dressing. Here are three of the best of many "recycled" recipes I've tried in the past week. After trying them, you'll probably agree that, "Everything old is new again." 2024's Take on Egg Sandwich (Perfect breakfast sandwich "to go" or quick meal) 1 tablespoon butter 2 eggs beaten 2 slices bread 1/4 cup shredded cheese 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled or chopped ham Cook and crumble bacon and set aside. Place butter into a small non-stick frying pan and heat over medium heat until melted. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl and pour over butter. Cook eggs until almost done.  Place 2 bread slices on top of the eggs and press into eggs, coating both sides. After cooking another minute or two, carefully flip the combined bread and eggs over. Fold the overlapping egg onto the bread slices. Top eggs with shredded cheese and cooked bacon. Cook for a minute or two, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is toasted on top and bottom. Serve immediately while hot. 30-Minute One-Pot Cajun Pasta 1-pound smoked sausage 1/2 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon minced garlic ½ teaspoon each: cayenne pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, thyme leaves, ground black pepper 2 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 1 cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of it reserved in separate measuring cup 2 cups penne pasta Slice sausage and place in large skillet or saucepan with a little vegetable oil; brown in oil over medium heat under done, then remove sausage from pan and set aside. In pan drippings, add chopped onions and garlic; cook over low heat until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth, cream, ¾ cup of cheese and all seasonings; stir well and then add dry pasta. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes or until pasta is done. Then add cooked sausage and top with remaining ¼ cup cheese. Stir and serve. Famous Fast-Food Burger Salad Salad: ½ head (or more) of iceberg lettuce, sliced then and diced into small pieces or strips Burger Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon tomato paste Heaping tablespoon honey Dijon mustard 3 finely diced pickles (or substitute 1-2 tablespoons of relish 1-2 tablespoons pickle juice (or relish juice) Burger: 1-pound lean ground beef 2 teaspoons vegetable or olive oil 1/2 finely diced onion 2 chopped garlic cloves Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese Slice and dice iceberg lettuce and place it in a large bowl; refrigerate. Mix all of the ingredients for the sauce and place in refrigerator. (double recipe if you want to serve extra sauce on the side). In a pan on medium high heat, heat the oil. Add ground meat and brown until pink color is gone and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper and add onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent. Add the cheese and turn heat off.  Once the cheese melts, make the salad by topping lettuce with meat mixture, then the burger sauce. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

As the forecast calls for extreme winter weather to arrive in the coming days, Atmos Energy is closely monitoring the weather and staging our employees across our system. Colder weather may impact the amount of natural gas you use. Using energy wisely and making a few household changes may produce a big difference in how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and conserve energy this winter: Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home. Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object. Call Atmos Energy's Emergency Number, 866.322.8667, if you have concerns about your meter. Make sure external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions about proper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor. Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside. Save money and energy by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home (where safe to do so). If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number, 866.322.8667. These tips and more are available on our Storm Center page at atmosenergy.com. Although natural gas outages are infrequent, if you experience loss of natural gas service or low gas pressure, contact the Atmos Energy emergency line at 866.322.8667 – agents are ready to assist 24/7. Atmos Energy will communicate regularly with customers and communities before, during, and after extreme weather events. To sign up for text alerts, adjust your notification preferences in the Account Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and on our website at atmosenergy.com for continued safety and weather preparedness information.