Author: journo

A "Mad Men" party with guests dressed in vintage-style clothing.

Jackson fans go retro for ‘Mad Men’ finale

Published by

The “Mad Men” madness has officially made its way to Mississippi. Jackson residents Michael Busbin and Brian Kendrick are such big fans of AMC’s hit drama that they bought a retro home in northeast Jackson inspired by Don Draper’s mid-century cool.

“It already had grass cloth wallpaper and a living room rock garden — total ‘60s vibes,” Busbin said. “We’ve updated it a little, but kept the vintage charm. We love pieces like Eames and Panton chairs — anything that feels ‘Mad Men.’ It’s how we like to live — cool, relaxed, and a little nostalgic.”

A photo illustration of a girl and her horse.

Getting back on the horse

Published by

Near the end of the school year at Brandon’s University Christian School, the art teacher gave his first-period students large canvases, leftover paint, and the freedom to go at them Jackson Pollack-style.

Danielle Parkman, 14, dipped her hands in color and splattered it against the white, tossing pink, blue and red across the rectangle. Then she threw it on her friends, who laughed and retaliated until, pretty soon, everyone was engaged in a colorful, carefree mess of creativity.

An orange illustration about films.

Rewind and Rethink: A deep dive into vintage films that stir the soul and shake the mind

Published by

Tired of the predictable plots and CGI overload of modern movies, I recently decided to hit rewind and rediscover some cinematic gems from the past — films that hinge on powerful performances, sharp writing, and character-driven storytelling.

What started as a casual dive into the early work of Jack Nicholson quickly turned into a deep, fascinating journey through the psychological, the emotional, and sometimes the downright disturbing.

Notecards featuring multicolor birds.

Tweet-Worthy Stationery: These bird notecards make my heart sing

Published by

Over the weekend, I wandered into Target for toothpaste and detergent — and, as usual, walked out with something delightfully unexpected: the cutest set of bird-themed notecards. (Target has a way of doing that to people, doesn’t it?)

These little gems are printed on recycled paper and come from a company called Green Inspired, which is all about combining eco-friendly design with modern style. Their products are sold exclusively at Target, so if you’re into charming stationery and saving the planet one card at a time, you might want to swing by the paper goods aisle. Or you can check them out online at green-inspired.com.

The movie poster for the movie "Brake."

Take a ‘Brake’ and watch a thriller

Published by

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for a good heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you guessing until the final frame. Whether it’s the slow burn of psychological suspense or a full-blown panic-room-style adrenaline rush, there’s something incredibly satisfying about a movie that toys with your nerves in all the right ways.

So once again, I’ve rounded up a few recent thrillers that delivered the chills, the tension, and yes — even the occasional existential crisis. Here’s a quick rundown of the ones that left a lasting impression (and might make you think twice about the weather, your sanity, or a late-night stroll through Paris).

My handmade shirt featuring Kermit the Frog.

Kermit, collectibles, and a little Mississippi magic

Published by

It’s not easy being green — but it’s very easy being a Kermit the Frog fan, especially this week as the new “Muppets” movie hits theaters. With that in mind, I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the world’s most lovable amphibian by showing off a few of my favorite Kermit finds — and sharing why this little green guy holds such a special place in my heart.

Like many of you, I grew up in the golden age of “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street” — the 1970s and ’80s, when television was a little quirkier, a little fuzzier, and a whole lot more musical. Kermit wasn’t just a puppet. He was a philosopher. A dreamer. The gentle soul trying to hold everything together while Gonzo launched himself from cannons and Miss Piggy karate-chopped her way through love and drama.

The movie poster for "A Perfect Host."

Offbeat, Creepy, and Unexpected: 10 underrated thrillers that surprised me

Published by

If you’re in the mood for a psychological curveball, a little cult horror, or a thriller with unexpected twists, here’s a batch of lesser-known films I recently watched that delivered more than I anticipated.

From David Hyde Pierce’s wild turn in “The Perfect Host” to Wes Craven’s eerie asylum flick “The Ward,” this list features B-movie gems, creepy kid staples, and sci-fi experiments that somehow work.

The movie poster for "Black Swan."

The Red Shoes vs. Black Swan: A Haunting look at ballet, obsession, and the price of perfection

Published by

It’s Oscar night, and we’ll soon see if Black Swan wins the award for Best Picture. After reading several Black Swan reviews that referenced The Red Shoes (1948), I decided to watch the vintage film and compare the two that bear striking similarities, including creative visuals.

The Red Shoes stars Moira Shearer as Vicky Page, a beautiful redhead that is selected as the featured dancer in a new ballet called The Red Shoes that is based on a Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale about a pair of mystical ballet slippers. Vicky falls in love with and later marries the young composer, Julian Craster (Marius Goring), who has been charged with writing the score for the ballet.

Henry Wiltcher, a man who told others his mission was to be of service to the world, did it by driving a bus.

Beloved Mississippi bus driver Henry Wiltcher remembered for kindness, faith, and a life of service

Published by

On cold mornings, Mr. Henry would come to work early and crank all the vehicles so they would be warm inside when the other bus drivers arrived.

He kept a list of all the children on his bus route, recording their names, addresses and birthdays so he and his wife could send them birthday cards and small surprises throughout the years.

Mississippi pansies vs. California pansies.

Mississippi weather mood swings and the curious case of angry pansies

Published by

In Mississippi, the weather has more mood swings than a soap opera villain. One day, it’s warm and sunny with birds chirping and neighbors mowing their lawns in shorts and flip-flops. The next? You’re wrapped in an electric blanket, sipping hot cocoa while watching snow flurries dance outside your window — in February. Or April. Or literally whenever the state decides to throw a seasonal tantrum.

This climate confusion has had me pondering one particular flower for a couple of years now: the pansy. Yes, that sweet little bloom with a face. A face that, if you look closely, kind of seems to judge you as you walk by.

A story about a restaurant called Babalu that features images of their food.

Babalu Tacos & Tapas brings retro vibes and Latin flavor to Jackson’s Fondren district

Published by

If you’re an “I Love Lucy” fan, the word “Babalu” might ring a bell. It was Ricky Ricardo’s signature song — an Afro-Caribbean tune that now lends its name to one of Fondren’s hottest new restaurants.

Babalu Tacos & Tapas, located inside the old Duling School at 622 Duling Ave., opened with a retro-urban vibe that fits right in with Fondren’s artsy energy. Walk inside and you’ll see vintage Lucy clips projected on the wall, a nostalgic touch dreamed up by co-owner Al Roberts after seeing something similar in another restaurant.

The movie poster for "Otis."

Underrated Horror and Thriller Movies You May Have Missed: 17 hidden gems worth watching

Published by

As a lifelong fan of thrillers and horror films, I’m constantly searching for fresh, unexpected stories that push boundaries and defy clichés.

Over the past year or so, I’ve come across several hidden gems — lesser-known thrillers, psychological mind-benders, and indie horror flicks — that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. If you’re craving something off the beaten path that still delivers chills, suspense, or even a touch of dark humor, this list is for you.

Movies starring Brittany Murphy.

Remembering Brittany Murphy: Underrated performances and the tragic loss of a rising star

Published by

Brittany Murphy was one of those rare talents in Hollywood — versatile, magnetic, and utterly unforgettable. From her quirky comedic timing in “Clueless” to her raw emotional range in darker dramas, she had a screen presence that drew you in, no matter the genre.

And beyond acting, she had another gift: a beautiful singing voice that audiences only got a small taste of, most notably through her voiceover work and musical performances in “Happy Feet.” I always believed Murphy had a long, diverse career ahead of her — possibly even a future on Broadway where she could blend her acting and vocal talents.

The movie poster for "Frozen."

Frozen (2010): The snowbound thriller that will leave you cold with fear

Published by

If you’re hunkered down at home watching sleet fall and waiting for the roads to ice over, there’s no better time to stream a movie that matches the wintery mood. For those craving suspense and survival horror, “Frozen” (2010) is a chilling and underrated gem that’s worth your time.

Written and directed by Adam Green — not to be confused with the Disney animated hit — “Frozen” is a tension-packed thriller that taps into primal fears of isolation, exposure, and helplessness. It’s currently streaming on Netflix and holds a solid three-star rating, which is impressive for a film in the thriller/horror genre. That rating alone piqued my interest, so I gave it a watch — and I wasn’t disappointed.

Lifecasts of blues musicians created by a Delta artist.

Blind artist preserves Mississippi blues legends through powerful face casts

Published by

When Sharon McConnell-Dickerson began to lose her vision in 1995, she faced a difficult truth: her life would never be the same. But in the darkness, she discovered something unexpected — art.

That discovery eventually led her from New England to the Mississippi Delta, where she would spend more than a decade capturing the soul of the blues, not through sound, but through sculpture.

A scene from "Eden Lake."

Eden Lake: A gripping British horror film that redefines terror and tension

Published by

If you’re a horror and thriller enthusiast like me — always hunting for a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat scare — “Eden Lake” is a must-watch.

When I recently searched “best horror films of 2008 and 2009,” this gritty British thriller kept popping up, hailed by many critics as “one of the best of the decade.” Thanks to a YouTube find, I dove right in — and I wasn’t disappointed.

Analyzing Billboard's Hot 100 songs.

Translating the nation’s top songs

Published by

Every week, the Billboard Hot 100 delivers the songs that dominate our airwaves and streaming playlists — but what exactly are they saying?

Rather than passing moral judgment, I like to take a playful, sarcastic look at the lyrics, breaking down the top five singles to see what’s really going on beneath the catchy hooks. Here’s my tongue-in-cheek translation of this week’s chart-toppers.

A feature story about a Muppet exhibit that was coming to Mississippi featuring Kermit on the cover.

Jim Henson’s Fantastic World comes to Mississippi

Published by

It’s hard to imagine childhood without the Muppets, and since “Sesame Street” debuted in 1969, generations have grown up with Jim Henson’s unforgettable creations. Now, Jim Henson’s Fantastic World — a traveling Smithsonian exhibit — brings his incredible legacy to the Mississippi Museum of Art.

Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, Henson transformed his early love for puppetry into iconic shows like “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street,” captivating audiences worldwide. This exhibit offers a rare glimpse into his creative process with 100 original pieces, including puppets, sketches, storyboards, and videos.

Kermit the Frog

Exclusive Interview with Kermit the Frog: Mississippi roots, new projects, and life lessons from the legendary Muppet

Published by

I recently had the unique opportunity to interview the legendary Kermit the Frog for “The Clarion-Ledger.” Known worldwide and deeply connected to Mississippi through his creator Jim Henson — born in Greenville — Kermit shared insights into his roots, career, and views on fame.

Kermit was delighted to learn his swamp home was identified as Deer Creek in Leland, Mississippi, describing his upbringing fondly despite his small size. He humbly compared himself to other Mississippi icons like Elvis and Oprah, crediting their “regular folks” charm to growing up in the state. When asked about current projects, Kermit highlighted holiday specials, a viral Queen cover, and a potential movie.

A newspaper page featuring local Mississippians who are fans of the vampire trend in books and television.

Mississippi Roots of HBO’s True Blood: How Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire Series shaped the hit show

Published by

Did you know that HBO’s hit series “True Blood” has deep ties to Mississippi? The show is based on “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” novels by Mississippi native Charlaine Harris.

Born in Tunica in 1951, Harris grew up in the South, the daughter of a farmer-turned-school principal and a librarian. After graduating from Rhodes College in Memphis, she worked as a journalist in Clarksdale and Greenville before publishing her first novel, “Sweet and Deadly,” in 1981.

Analyzing Billboard's Hot 100 songs.

Translating the nations top songs

Published by

It’s that time again—time to decode the top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100. This isn’t about passing moral judgment on the lyrics; rather, it’s a chance to cleverly unpack them with a mix of sarcasm and literary critique.