2023 has been off to a relatively slow start when it comes to blockbuster releases, with a majority of my most anticipated films (“The Flash,” “Barbie,” “Blue Beetle” and “Wonka”) not premiering until the summer or fall.

The 2023 television adaptation of the 2013 action-adventure-survival-horror game “The Last of Us” is one of the best video games TV or film adaptations ever produced.

Video games can be love letters to the human experience. While not as often seen as such, some throughout recent history have been used as vessels to tell beautiful stories, ask philosophical questions or simply ask life’s toughest questions.

New music is on the horizon from my favorite singers, and I preordered two upcoming albums on vinyl.

On March 12, another annual film awards season will culminate with the premiere of the 95th Academy Awards.

A few artists decided to bless me with new music recently. Let's talk about songs I have on repeat. 

“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is another disappointing and forgettable Marvel film that fails to size up.

For the past few years, Proof Bakery on 109 W. Main St. has offered flaky and delectable pastries, cakes and cookies in Starkville.

“Dead Space” (2023) is a great example of a game that felt dated the day it came out.

At the former Humble Taco location on University Drive, a new restaurant enters the Starkville culinary scene. The flavors of Bluto’s Greek Tavern are something to behold.

Chilly mornings, pumpkin spice and autumn leaves bring a fuzzy feeling to all who know what comes next: "Call of Duty."

Taylor Swift returns to her dark pop roots in "Midnights," her tenth studio album that she released Friday.

For sushi that has stirred a lot of chatter on campus, the sushi offered at Provisions on Demand Markets on campus is acceptable at best.

For a film that has been riddled with internet gossip and controversies, "Don’t Worry Darling" failed to live up to its infamous publicity.

The 1994 documentary, "Freedom on My Mind," opens with the line: "you don't dream about things you can't imagine."

There is no right way to make a rock album; strong guitar riffs, upbeat drums and powerful lyrics can typically result in a great record.

A new phenomenon has swept the world of gaming.

What occurs when a band loses a lead vocalist, frontman or principal songwriter? British post-punk phenoms Black Country, New Road (BC,NR) will be searching for the answer, as they have lost all three with the departure of one man.

It seems no one will go unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Starkville is no exception. The mayor and the board of aldermen of Starkville passed a resolution on March 20 declaring a civil state of emergency and called for certain businesses and public places to adhere to a strict set of…

Excited murmurs swept the crowd of Theatre MSU’s “Mamma Mia!” on opening night. The musical provided heightened anticipation, especially since it featured the popular works of ABBA, the Swedish pop supergroup. This rendition merged musical storytelling with comedic antics and provided an ent…

All artists dream of the day they release their debut album. For up-and-coming artist Bedon Lancaster, this dream is now a reality with the release of his debut indie rock album, "Morning." Memphis, Tennessee native and former Starkville Battle of the Bands winner, Lancaster is a 22-year-old…

While many rave about the tacos from Two Brothers, fawn over the cheese fries from Bin 612 and praise the Dooey Nachos from The Little Dooey, Stromboli’s cookie dough bites are one of the most famous local Starkville dishes that I can also replicate in my own kitchen. The recipe seems simple…

Loaded tea shops have found their way to Starkville in two locations: Starkville Nutrition, located on Russell Street near McCallister's and 39759 Nutrition, located on Highway 12 near Moreland Storage.

Mats line the floor of Nine-Twentynine Coffee Bar as instructor, Jonette Shurden, prepares to begin this month’s barre class.  Jonette Shurden, Bell Moody and Heather Warren are all owners of Starkville’s Studio Barre and Wellness, a locally owned and operated fitness studio. The trio hosts …

Starkville natives are familiar with the Strange Brew Coffeehouse, a popular coffee shop on the corner of Highway 12 and Spring Street. The coffee shop opened in 2005, and, according to their Facebook page, a second Strange Brew location opened in Tupelo, Mississippi in August 2017. Followin…

"Frozen 2" is the sequel to 2013's inescapable smash hit that captivated the world. The original "Frozen" grossed a total of $1.2 billion at the box office and introduced the world to Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf, played by Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad.

The word “hypocrisy” was stuck in my mind after leaving Theatre MSU’s “Beowulf.” A significant part of the story was the false appearance of virtue. This rendition combined the cost of being a hero with intense story elements that ask how far someone is willing to go to be remembered.

Autumn is here, and seasonal drinks are back in Starkville's coffee shops. No matter what you like, there is a fall drink for you.

As an avid thrifter, I was super excited to read Mary Madeline LaMastus' article about the thrifting options in Starkville. The article was a really helpful overview of ways to shop second-hand and find bargains in Starkville, and I wanted to use the information for my closet. Thrifting is a…

Thrift and resale shopping has skyrocketed in popularity in the last few years, leaving the industry’s mark evident from Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” blaring through every adolescent’s speakers, to statistics released through the Association of Resale Professionals confirming resale “continues…

Modern awareness of bias and bigotry are difficult to ignore when doing a period piece. Starkville Community Theatre kept that focus in mind with their production of "Moonlight and Magnolias." Christopher Walrath directed this comedic interpretation that depicts the bizarre creation of one o…

Many people have a sour taste in their mouth for the word "fermentation." After bearing witness to the kombucha craze this year, I decided to visit the second annual Fermentation Fair put on by Starkville's Homestead Education Center. The fair took place this past Friday at the education cen…

Starkville’s new Venezuelan restaurant, Arepas Coffee & Bar, is already making a name for itself since opening Oct. 5. Located next to Starkville Cafe, the restaurant adds a distinct and refreshing flair to Main Street.

Mississippi is a state full of unique breweries and places to try local beers. As a recent member of the "21 and over" club, I have been dabbling in the different facets of alcohol in general, and beer is a favorite of mine. Through my trials and tribulations, I have noticed some of my favor…

At first glance, it is easy to see why analysts had pegged “Downton Abbey” to earn a mere $16-20 million domestically in its opening weekend. It does not have a racially diverse cast; the audience at my screening was entirely white. The film is essentially a continuation of the television sh…

Donna Tartt’s 2013 Pulitzer Prize winning novel, “The Goldfinch,” finally made its way to the silver screen this weekend. The book received overwhelmingly positive acclaim upon its release for its endearing cast of characters and unique story about a catastrophic event that changes the life …

The 20th annual Bulldog Bash took place this past Friday in downtown Starkville. The night was full of good music, great vibes and an overall fun atmosphere for the Mississippi State University family. Friday was filled with festivities for students, faculty, alumni and the Bulldog community…

“If you think this is going to be a stiff period piece, think again. It’s loony and silly,” said the Director of "Pride and Prejudice" and Mississippi State University English professor, Michele Crescenzo

Mississippi State University Dining Services offers a variety of meal plans for students. This year, a new meal plan has been made for commuter and upperclassmen students called the Meal Kit. This meal plan offers a combination of 30 block meals, $180 flex dollars and $120 Home Chef Kits.

The long wait is over. Steak 'n Shake has arrived at Mississippi State University, and the wait has proven worth the reward.

Taylor Swift gifted her fans, once again, with a new musical diary last Friday, Aug. 23. The album was practically a surprise, as it dropped this summer and serves as a break from her traditional fall releases.

Welcome to another year of college. Some students are new, and others know Starkville better than their hometown. Unfortunately, many find college completely overwhelming at the beginning of the semester. Figuring out class locations, navigating campus and working out the best path can be di…

There is nothing quite like a freshly baked loaf of bread, though most people do not have the skills or patience to execute such a fantastical edible feat—or should I say feast?