By Bob Garver             The last time audiences saw superpowered alien symbiote Venom (Tom Hardy) and his human “host” Eddie Brock (also Hardy) on the big screen, it wasn’t in a “Venom” movie, it was in a mid-credits sequence in 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The scene saw the pair briefly hop universes into the Disney-controlled Marvel Cinematic Universe, but then quickly get sucked back into the Sony-controlled Marvel universe – the one that has “Spider-Man” characters, but no Spider-Man (and is not to be confused with the animated Spider-verse). The scene is shown again at the beginning of “Venom: The Last Dance,” but it has no bearing on the story. Fans of the character should know not to expect MCU quality from this movie. This is the “Morbius”/”Madame Web” arm of the franchise.             The new film sees Eddie and Venom as fugitives in Mexico following some frowned-upon crimefighting in 2021’s “Let There Be Carnage.” They try to flee to New York, where they should be safe from human authorities, but they fail to factor in threats from non-humans. Venom’s recent activity inadvertently activated a device called a Codex, which exists as long as a symbiote and its human host are both alive. Supervillain Knull (Andy Serkis), imprisoned on a faraway planet, can use his minions called Xenophages to steal the Codex, break free and conquer the universe. I think the way it works is that if the Xenophages can swallow Venom alive, that counts as stealing the Codex for Knull. And simple evasion isn’t an option for Venom because the Xenophages are sure to cause a lot of collateral damage to Earth, and he’s the only one that can stop them. He and Eddie are going to have to fight.             If you thought I was spouting too much exposition just now, wait until you see the subplot about the secret Area 51 facility where symbiotes are studied by scientists like Dr. Teddy Payne (Juno Temple). The character comes complete with a backstory about feeling guilt over the death of her brother, who wanted to be a scientist. I get the impression that she only devotes herself to science out of guilt and not passion. If the character is supposed to be passionate about her work, it’s not coming through in Temple’s performance. She has several conversations with the facility’s enforcer Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor), one of those grunts that wants to kill any being he doesn’t understand, where all they do is explain the facility’s purpose to one another. Almost all of their dialogue could be preceded with the dreaded words “as you know…” because there’s no way these characters wouldn’t know all of this information already, but the audience has to be filled in.             Literally thrown off their flight, Eddie and Venom hitch a ride with the hippie Moon family, led by Martin (Rhys Ifans), on their way to Area 51 to try to see aliens. I guess the family’s scenes are supposed to be comic relief, but they aren’t funny. What is funny is a brief stop in Las Vegas where Eddie and Venom share a dance with franchise mainstay Mrs. Chen (Peggy Lu). Could the scene be cut without doing a disservice to the story? Yes. Should the scene stay in because it’s a welcome distraction from the story? Also yes.             That scene aside, “Venom: The Last Dance” is a slog. The script is a mess, the new characters unlikeable, the action murky and hard to follow, and the mindless Xenophages are terrible antagonists, with Knull not exactly helping by sitting on the sidelines the whole time. I’d say that Hardy comes off relatively unscathed because he has pretty good chemistry with… himself (I can’t decide if that makes the repartee easier or harder), but then I found out he has a story credit on this slop, so I can’t let him off the hook. I hope this really is the “Last Dance” for these “Spider-Man”-adjacent movies outside the MCU and Spider-verse.   Grade: D   “Venom: The Last Dance” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images and strong language. Its running time is 110 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Medical Radiologic Technology (MRT) program recently attended and competed at the 82nd annual Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Conference held in Natchez at the Natchez Convention Center.  Sophomore Anna Harvey of McComb received the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists scholarship, given to one outstanding sophomore at each institution. Harvey also won the Hashtag Contest for this year’s conference with her submission #ExplainExposeExploreMSRT24. The duo of Madison McNatt of Bogue Chitto and Johnna Norman of Brookhaven won third place in student exhibit. In the prep bowl competition, the Co-Lin team of Heidi Smith of Brookhaven, Lynsey Cooper of McComb, Lorelai Langley of Bogue Chitto, Anna Harvey of McComb, and Rebekah Box of Brookhaven claimed third place. Freshman Allyson Sullivan of Wesson was the winner of the Artwork Competition, and her artwork was displayed on the cover of the 2024 conference program. “I couldn't be prouder of our students for their outstanding achievements at this year's annual MSRT conference,” said MRT Program Director Kelly Fenwick. “Their hard work, dedication, and passion for radiography truly shone through, earning them well-deserved recognition and awards. Seeing them excel among their peers reaffirms the talent and commitment they bring to our program and to the field.”

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Remember from your childhood all those stories about that man or woman “who lives right over there?” That person you knew from experience - yours or others - to avoid at all costs. Those stories varied from a witch, to scary dude, to mean as a junk yard dog. Yeah, me too. And my kid imagination took off with wings that carried me to thoughts of murders and kidnapping. Silly child, you say? Absolutely, but you couldn’t convince me of that back then. Every neighborhood seems to have its own ‘that one.’ The person that kids either scramble past in a panic, or tease each other about ringing their doorbell and then running. Or, the neighborhood bullies just delight in torturing and taunting. Very rare is the kid who does none of those. Or any adults for that matter. Who deliberately invade the space of the neighborhood wonky, and with fear and trembling, attempt to get to know him. To maybe find out why he has such a reputation. Two things I would bet, if you were standing in front of me and ready to match wagers. First; your neighborhood Witchy Wanda or Raging Bull Bill suffered a severe trauma in life and was never able to move on. Just lives with the pain, believing they can’t ever function normally again. Second; that person is desperately lonely, underneath that fake exterior of toughness and nastiness. How in the world does that happen to a person? How do you become the one that even the dogs and cats give a wide berth? You have had more severe trauma than anyone else in this life? Own a personality that is incapable of handling hard things and caved under the pressure? Or by just pure choice? Here’s my thought. Severe trauma is going to happen at some point in life to all of us. At that point you are faced with an agonizing choice. Usually goes like this. Your path ahead contains Pain – Sadness - Anger …. then you approach a crossroads. One fork is marked Acceptance – Moving On. The other split holds Depression – Bitterness – Loneliness – possible Paranoia. That last path invariably gets you known as “that person in our neighborhood.” Obviously, the best path is to decide to find a great big burn barrel. Dump all your hurt, mistakes, fears, and your anger into that thing. Light it up and then walk away, determined to live. Then pursue people to love, work to invest into, and laughter wherever you can find it. How? By living in gratitude. Stubbornly deciding to mimic old Job, “Though He slay me, yet will I praise Him.” But granted, you can decide to hold onto your pain forever. You can build a huge insulated closet to store it all for the rest of your life. So that you can open that closet door daily, step inside, and review every box in that dark, dreary place. Your painful choice, and you would be smart to choose carefully and wisely.

By: Kara Kimbrough     I’ve said it before but it bears repeating: casseroles get no respect. For some reason, the dishes that gained popularity in the 1970’s have fallen out of favor. I’m not sure if it’s due to the amount of sodium-filled cream of mushroom (or chicken or celery) soups or the fact that, like polyester, casseroles were bound to go out of style sooner or later.     But I’ve noticed a resurgence in one-dish meals that, while they may be called something else, bear a striking resemblance to casseroles of the 70’s. Enough time has elapsed and it’s now acceptable to combine protein, vegetables, a starch or two, cheese and even the dreaded soups into one dish. These dishes are now called “one pot meals” or “Greek/Italian/Mexican bowls” or something equally appealing. Even better, soups are now available in low-sodium varieties, making the addition much more acceptable.    Now that Thanksgiving’s within sight, cooks are experimenting with easier versions of the full-course turkey and dressing dinner. A recipe for “Thanksgiving casserole” is making the rounds of the internet, filled with much smaller amounts of many of the holiday’s traditional items. I make a version of one of the recipes and while it doesn’t compare to the actual feast, it’s still a tasty dish to make any time of the year.    And last, I’m a sucker for anything that contains hash browns. A recipe that literally takes minutes to create is the perfect antidote for a busy weekend when time is short and dinner time is fast approaching. To prevent anyone in the “I hate casseroles!” category from bypassing it, I’ve renamed it, along with the Thanksgiving dish. I hope you’ll try both of them…just don’t call them casseroles! All-In-One Dish Dinner 1 pound ground chuck, browned and drained1 small onion, diced1 can cream of mushroom soup (use low/reduced sodium if available) 1 can of corn, drained1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup melted butter Dash of onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt and Cajun seasoning 1-pound shredded hashbrowns 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese or favorite blend (reserve for end)     Mix first 6 ingredients and seasonings together in a bowl; stir well to combine. Pour into a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Spread hashbrowns evenly over top, then add shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until hashbrowns are brown and cheese is bubbly.  Shades of Thanksgiving Dinner Dish 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small white onion, peeled and diced 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled, thinly-sliced and diced 2 cups chopped fresh green beans (about 4 ounces), ends trimmed off 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 3 stalks celery, diced fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper 1 small loaf sourdough bread, cubed and dried-out (about 6 cups) 1 pound diced cooked turkey 2/3 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup finely-chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, sage) 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 eggs 2 cups gravy (can make homemade, jarred version or from a packet)    Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Sauté the vegetables. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick sauté pan. Add the onion and sweet potato and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is mostly softened.  Add green beans, garlic, celery and season the mixture with a few generous pinches of salt and pepper.  Sauté for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant.    Transfer the cooked vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Add the bread, cooked turkey, dried cranberries and fresh herbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the stock and eggs, then pour the mixture into the large mixing bowl.  Use a spatula to toss the mixture until it is evenly combined. Transfer it to the 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread the casserole in an even layer.     Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the top is golden. While the casserole is in the oven, make the gravy from scratch or prepare store-bought version.     Once the casserole is done, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with a drizzle of gravy. Serve warm. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Mika Hartman November is here! Thank you to everyone who celebrated Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October; we have so much to be thankful for. It’s okay to keep the celebrations going every day. I do.     My chosen title may have you wondering why I used the dreaded “weird” word; because, I see how sensitive we’ve become by overthinking everything we say. The backlash of being politically correct when someone slips up and says something that offends someone has to stop. My son is wonderful and he is weird in the most fantastic way. I am not sorry. Hudson is dual diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism. As I celebrate Down syndrome Awareness Month, I celebrate everything about my son.     Listen, being deliberately mean is wrong, but seeing Hudson in all his glory means you are truly looking and seeing him for the gift he is. One of his gifts is his weirdness. I want him to be seen and accepted for all of him, not just the parts that are easy to love. He can be salty, stubborn and very determined and it’s all wonderful. He stims when he is overwhelmed, he stims when he’s happy. Picture meeting your most admired person or going to Disney or winning the lottery, Hudson feels this feeling sometimes twenty times a day or more… and it’s great to know he’s happy; to know someone is happy is something we can see with no words.    To understand his dual diagnosis, I have asked Hudson’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist and owner of Victory Behavioral, Denise Johnson, BCBA, to share her experience while helping my son. Hudson became her first child with Down syndrome to take data from and apply a program to help Hudson; he now has opportunities to learn and grow in a way that suits his learning style best. Here is Denise’s professional view: “The remarkable thing about the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is that it focuses on understanding behavior and applying techniques to gently shape and improve it. ABA can be used to help individuals learn valuable skills, whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical. I chose to specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) due to having a son diagnosed with ASD, which has given me a personal connection to the challenges many caregivers face. Hudson’s case was particularly unique for me. My colleagues and I had never provided ABA therapy to a child with a dual diagnosis of ASD and Down syndrome. I recall telling Hudson’s mother, Mika, during the first week that his behaviors felt strikingly familiar. Hudson exhibited many characteristics similar to my clients with ASD, and the strategies we implemented were effective. Due to Hudson's Down syndrome diagnosis, he required additional trials to learn skills, and we had to take extra care in maintaining those skills once learned.  The beautiful result is that Hudson has begun to communicate his needs, which has significantly reduced his frustration. He has made tremendous progress, especially when motivated, thanks to his individualized program. Mika’s openness to our support has also allowed us to train future behavior analysts to work confidently with clients who have dual diagnoses, which is crucial for expanding access to services for families facing similar challenges. I encourage all clinicians to be transparent about their current scope of practice and to actively seek opportunities for growth and consultation on complex cases like Hudson’s.”   When you see my son, you will see he struggles. You will see that we sometimes struggle, too. You will also see a joy and a love that some don’t understand. You may see him in his wheelchair, even though he can walk. You may see him flapping his arms with his eyes tightly closed. You might see him with no shoes or us putting them on over and over. We will never hide to make you feel more comfortable and I will never apologize for Hudson being EXTRA wonderfully weird.

“Don’t make change too complicated. Just BEGIN.” – Unknown. Change. I personally have come to somewhat welcome it. Change tends to open doors to new things, new experiences, new emotions...new beginnings. Change, however, can be an overwhelming thing. Change can be scary because it gets us out of our comfort zones, but it can be really rewarding. We, as Christians, are called to be in a constant state of change as we walk with the Lord. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. However, when we do make mistakes, we should be convicted of that mistake and know that a change needs to be made so that we will not make that same mistake again. Why? Because a mistake repeated becomes a decision at that point. The biggest thing about making a change is to simply make a choice to…BEGIN. Change must start with you wanting to. Maybe you have been in a series of bad relationships and are convinced that you will never find happiness. Maybe your lifestyle is attracting the wrong people. Maybe your children are acting out at school or in other areas of their lives and you are blinded as to why this is happening. Maybe a change is needed in their home environment or something else they are being exposed to that you are aware to that you need to step in and intercede for them. Are you being a good role model for them? If not, a definite change needs to be made in your life for them. Are you living a life that points others to Christ? Are you living a life “out loud” that matches what you talk to others about when it comes to Jesus? Search your heart and life. Does a change need to be made? Whether others know about it or not, God knows. Have things seem to be spiraling around you lately? Maybe it’s time to examine your situation and reevaluate your life. We often times get complacent. Examine your heart. Don't make change so complicated and don't wait too long to make it happen. You are not guaranteed tomorrow so don't put off making a change in your life today. If you want true peace in your life, change needs to happen. Lean on His strength. God reminds you of this in His word. Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Wesson American Legion Post #79 welcomed guest Mary Kitchens of Crystal Springs to speak at its recent monthly meeting. Kitchens is the founder of Camp Kamassa, Mississippi's Toughest Kids (MTK) Foundation, who spoke to the legion about the camp and it's progress in construction. She also gave an update on its first camp which was held this past summer, June 30 through July 5.  Mississippi's Toughest Kids Foundation serves children and adults living with chronic illness, physical and mental challenges, and other special needs. Camp Kamassa is Mississippi's first, and only, year-round handicapped accessible camp, specifically designed to meet the needs of these extraordinary children and adults. Kamassa is the Choctaw word that means "toughness"; to persevere under difficulty and not give up. The word perfectly describes MTK's future campers. The camp is being built with help from the U.S. Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) which teams reservists with needed infrastructure projects in communities nationwide.  The first camp was held this summer with 31 kids and five adults. Fundraising for MTK began in 2007 and construction started in 2018. Camp Kamassa is offered to school-aged children with disabilities. Camp even accepts adults. The camp provides summer camps where each week has a specific focus and is staffed with medical professionals to provide excellent care while enjoying Kamassa-life.  Different groups living with or affected by various diagnoses and challenges are served at weekend events at camp. A state-of-the-art sloped entry swimming pool is a fun highlight for campers due to its easy access for wheelchairs.  For information regarding special events and fundraisers throughout the year, call or visit online at w ww.campkamassa.com  or email mtk@mtkfound.com .  The community can support Camp Kamassa by purchasing items from their wish list, donate to MTK Foundation, consider one of its "naming items", purchase an MTK car tag, shop their online store, purchase a cookbook, children's book, or t-shirt, or give through Kroger Community Rewards (organization number VG910). Camp Kamassa fully opens summer of 2025.

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Ever listened to two people or two groups argue? Both opponents believe there is only one real truth – MINE!!  Doesn’t matter how loudly the other side yells. Doesn’t make a difference how many facts the other side lays out and cites triumphantly. These volunteer advocates for living with sky high blood pressure scoff at anything that doesn’t back up what they know to be ‘the absolute Truth, so help me God.’   You’ve seen it happen, or probably been part of it at some point. Sure you have, don’t lie to me.   You can frequently hear it between parents at Little League games. Although at those friendly little get-togethers, often the two enemies have a shared target in the umpires or referees. God help the poor misguided man or woman who agrees to be the judge and jury for a game between the kids of super competitive moms and dads.   And if you could somehow hide under the kitchen sink or the bed in many of our All-American homes, you could definitely experience first-hand the foundations of a civil war in the making. It’s a no-holds-barred, nothing-out-of-bounds free for all. And the one who wins is as emotionally bloodied as the loser. And don’t even get me started writing about the effects on their kids. How about between belligerent, unhappy neighbors? Ever hear the verbal guerilla fights that can occur over who truly owns, and therefore has undisputed territorial rights, regarding that six-inch-wide strip of grass that lies between their fence lines? I have heard of wars between entire countries started with less insults, curse words, and all-out threats thrown at each other.   Speaking of countries ready to throw down their gardening tools and cooking utensils, and take up arms against each other…I have lost count of how many countries in the last few months that are fed up with the actions of another, and have been lobbing friendly little bombs over the border at each other. Subtle little messages that are saying, “Hello there, neighbor, it’s me again. Reminding you that your ungentle actions have offended my country.”   Oh yeah, that’ll make the other side want to call and extend a warm, heartfelt invitation to meet for coffee and pancakes.   And now that I’ve brought up pancakes. Those little morsels ALWAYS have two sides. Never seen one that didn’t. Same with arguments. But try explaining that simple fact to two angry opponents in a marriage or in a board meeting. It always seems that they suddenly develop acute hearing, vision, and memory problems.   Simply put, most of us don’t want to realize that the other side just may have some valid points, and that, “Maybe I might be a tad bit at fault for the problem I’m having with my neighbor or my spouse.”   It sure makes the work of ambassadors, referees and relationship counselors rather spicy and interesting.

By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid   As the vibrant colors of fall begin to take over, many people experience a sense of transition—not only in nature, but in their own lives. With the rush of the holiday season approaching and changes in routine, October is the perfect time to focus on mental health. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s explore how to manage stress and maintain mental wellness during this time of year.   While fall brings cooler temperatures, shorter days and beautiful foliage, the seasonal transition can also impact mental health. For some, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress or even depression. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this condition is triggered by the reduced amount of sunlight and can leave people feeling fatigued and downcast. However, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the effects and boost your mental well-being.   Here are five simple steps with action tips you can implement right away to manage stress and improve mental health this fall.   1. Soak up natural light.   As the days get shorter, access to natural sunlight decreases, which can affect your mood and energy levels. Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining a positive mood. Even a short walk outside during daylight hours can help lift your spirits. Try spending fifteen to thirty minutes outside each day to get that natural light exposure, or sit by a window when indoors.   ACTION TIP: Make a habit of taking a walk during your lunch break or early in the morning to maximize sunlight exposure.    2. Establish a consistent routine.   Fall often comes with changes in daily routines, especially with kids returning to school and holiday preparations kicking into gear. Establishing a consistent routine can help reduce stress and create a sense of normalcy, which is particularly helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed. Set regular times for waking up, eating meals, exercising and unwinding in the evening.   ACTION TIP: Create a simple daily schedule that includes time for work, relaxation, and self-care. Consistency helps reduce stress and anxiety.    3. Practice gratitude and mindfulness.   The changing season is a perfect opportunity to practice gratitude for what’s going well in your life. Studies show that practicing gratitude can boost mood and overall mental well-being. Start each day by reflecting on three things you are grateful for, no matter how small. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can also help ground you in the present moment and reduce anxiety.   ACTION TIP: Spend five minutes each morning writing down things you are thankful for, or practice mindful breathing for a few minutes to center yourself.    4. Stay physically active.   Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Regular physical activity boosts endorphins, improves sleep and helps combat anxiety and depression. Even light activity, such as walking or stretching, can have a positive impact on your mood. With the cooler weather, fall is an ideal time to get outside and enjoy activities like walking, biking or simply strolling through a park to enjoy the fall colors.   ACTION TIP: Aim for at least thirty minutes of physical activity a day, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga or a bike ride. Invite a friend or family member to join you for added motivation.    5. Set boundaries for the holiday season.   The lead-up to the holiday season can be stressful, with added financial pressure, social obligations and family gatherings. Setting boundaries early is essential for protecting your mental health. Learn to say no to activities or commitments that feel overwhelming, and prioritize the events or people that truly matter to you. This will help you avoid burnout and focus on what brings you joy.   ACTION TIP: Make a list of what is most important to you during the holiday season, and practice saying “no” to things that don’t align with your values or priorities.   This October, make mental health a priority by taking proactive steps to manage stress and care for yourself during the fall season. By soaking up sunlight, establishing a routine, practicing gratitude, staying active and setting boundaries, you can enjoy the beauty of fall while nurturing your mental well-being. These small changes can have a big impact on your overall happiness and mental health.   EDITOR’S NOTE: Stephanie Duguid is the owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching).

The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO), a division of the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID), recommends checking smoke alarms in your home this weekend. Falling back to Standard Time early Sunday morning remains a good reminder to change batteries and replace alarms as needed. There have been 58 fire deaths so far in 2024. There were no working smoke alarms in at least 30 of those instances. Working smoke alarms in your home cuts your chance of dying in a fire by more than half according to the National Fire Protection Association  (NFPA). Call your local fire department and ask for a smoke alarm to be installed in your home. You should also have an escape plan to get out of your home. "Create an escape plan and make sure everyone knows where to meet outside of the home, in case of fire," said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. "Have children draw an escape plan that shows how everyone will get out of the house and where exits are located." Also, remember to: Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn't respond properly when tested. Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home. Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and don't go back inside the home under any circumstances.

By Kara Kimbrough N       On paper, spending a mere 24 hours in New Orleans doesn’t compute. There’s so much to see and experience in a city filled with hundreds of restaurants, attractions, venues and one of the nation’s largest museums, The National World War II Museum. But…I’m not like most people. With a little guidance from New Orleans & Company, the city’s tourism agency, combined with a goal of going full speed to experience a lot in a short time frame, I actually sampled quite a bit of the best aspects of the city within a short time. A hotel that checked all the boxes    It’s rare that I find a hotel that “checks all the boxes” in terms of location, safety, amenities and in simple terms, an easy, hassle-free stay. The Higgins Hotel managed to check them all…along with a few more.    For starters, the imposing Hilton property is literally across the street from the WWII Museum. A shared parking garage allows guests of either the hotel or museum (or both) to relax and enjoy their stay without the concerns that accompany parking in any large city. Parking in the adjacent garage and walking straight into the hotel was my first clue that “easy stay” was a box that had already been checked.    The spacious, multi-storied lobby is filled with elegant furnishings, fixtures and touches of rich wood, glass and stone set the stage for similar luxuries in guest rooms. Upon arriving at my sixth-floor room overlooking the museum’s courtyard, I found modern furnishings and technology in the guestroom and a spacious bathroom. The war that changed the world    Designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum is located on a six-acre campus occupying a sizable portion of Magazine Street in the heart of the city. Modern, soaring pavilions house thousands of historical items, interactive screens, theatres, bookstore and gift shop and two restaurants, including a WWII era-inspired Soda Shop.     It’s challenging to see everything in one day, especially if, like me, you like to read every word, study every photograph and watch every video. However, simplifying the process is a flowing, easy-to-navigate design that allows visitors to move seamlessly from one area to the next courtesy of short hallways and connective walkways. Even better, the museum’s chronological design allows visitors to walk through an engaging, interactive history lesson that unfolds as historical events occurred.     Exhibits begin with the years preceding the war to major WWII battles and milestones. The tour culminates with Liberation Pavilion, which explores the end of World War II, the Holocaust, postwar years and ways the war continues to impact our lives today.    Several thousand artifacts are displayed throughout the exhibit halls, ranging from personal letters written by soldiers to loved ones, to uniforms, firearms and actual equipment, boats, vehicles and planes used in the war.     The US Freedom Pavilion features six fully-restored iconic WWII war planes suspended from the ceiling in the George H.W. Bush Aviation Center. The 41st president, the youngest Navy pilot at the time of his service, flew a plane similar to one located in the gallery. Visitors can more closely view the planes from an observation gallery.    A stand-out experience was learning more about the invasion of the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor through firsthand accounts from survivors, written narratives and a plethora of photographs and video footage. It was heartbreaking to watch video footage of young soldiers on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, playing sports and attending church services prior to the devastating attack by Japan on Dec. 7, 1941, that left 2,403 dead and 1,178 wounded.     Equally mesmerizing was the D-Day exhibit area filled with interesting narratives, letters from U.S. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, photographs and artifacts that included sea sickness pills taken by the soldiers on the morning of the Normandy invasion  Seeing the faces of thousands of young boys in photographs taken before they boarded the boats to storm the beaches was an emotional experience.     There are many impressive displays depicting campaigns and geographic locations of the war. However, it was one depicting life a little closer to home that touched my heartstrings. In "Salute to the Home Front," an area dedicated to the efforts of Americans doing their part for the war effort, a realistic 1940’s American kitchen is equipped with ration stamps and an “ice box” sparsely filled with the rationed food and beverages items allotted to Americans during the war.     In the living room, the family’s radio, topped by a framed photo of Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt, illustrates that gathering around the radio was the primary way Americans kept up with the war. A blue star in the window and framed photos of the family’s soldiers prominently displayed on the wall and mantel are touching reminders of the personal sacrifices and losses suffered by thousands of U.S. families.    Another can’t-miss stop on a museum tour is the Solomon Victory Theatre to watch “Beyond Our Borders.” The 4-D movie provides a moving, detailed recap of each major battle of the war. Complete with sound and motion effects that cause theatre chairs to shake as battles raged and tanks roared over cliffs, it provides an up close and personal account of each of the war’s major milestones.    Last, seeing the walls filled with the photos of Medal of Freedom recipients was a moving experience. I was excited to learn through a database search that six Mississippians were awarded this prestigious medal for heroic acts of bravery. Finding the name “Louis Wilson” among the recipients was particularly thrilling. I previously lived near Louis Wilson Drive in Brandon and often wondered about the person for whom the road was named. The question was answered as I read about the many brave acts performed by the U.S. Marine Corps 4-Star General, along with the heroic feats of the other Mississippians.   Touring the amazing WWI Museum is something every American should experience. I’m already planning a return trip to more thoroughly explore each of the pavilions. To learn more about the National World War II Museum, including hours of operation and ticket prices and to download sample itineraries to help plan your visit, check out the museum’s website at: nationalww2museum.org . Memorable meals    Last week, I described a delicious meal of shrimp remoulade, seafood gumbo and shrimp Creole that I enjoyed at New Orleans’ Galatoire’s. If you missed it, drop me an email and I’ll share the column with you.     In addition to Galatoire’s, I was scheduled to visit Brennan’s, another iconic New Orleans restaurant, for brunch. Time issues caused me to miss my reservation (something I’ll rectify on my next visit to New Orleans), so I ventured down to the hotel’s two restaurants, Café Normandy and Café Provisions, to check out the breakfast offerings. The tasty breakfast of New Orleans coffee and an apple turnover at Provisions was the perfect caffeine and carb-loading fuel for several hours of museum exploring. Birds-eye view of the city      Last, I was glad I found time to venture down to the waterfront and enjoy an unbelievable experience at Vue New Orleans.      On the ground floor, an interactive museum-quality experience highlights the city’s history, music, celebrations and rich culinary scene. Afterwards, an elevator whisked me up 34 stories. There, I enjoyed breathtaking 360-degree views of the city’s stunning architecture, wetlands and waterways from New Orleans’ only indoor and outdoor observation deck. Seeing a giant orange sun sink below the horizon from this windswept vantage point is an experience I’ll never forget.     So yes, I actually experienced all this – and more – during my short 24-hour stay in New Orleans. Don’t let time constraints prevent you from planning a quick trip or a longer visit to this extraordinary city. It's the ultimate destination for extraordinary food, fun, shopping and accommodations. At the top of any itinerary should be a visit to the WWII Museum. I promise you'll leave with lifetime memories and a renewed sense of pride in our Armed Forces and the United States. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

By: Annie Oeth, UMMC Office of Communications and Marketing  The skin care advice of social media influencers and beauty bloggers may leave pre-teens and young teenagers with rashes and breakouts, University of Mississippi Medical Center experts say. "Having a good skin care routine is part of good skin health,” said Dr. Thy Huynh, assistant professor of dermatology and the only certified pediatric dermatologist in the state. “Simple is probably best.” The trends of slugging, or using heavy moisturizers on skin, and “glass skin,” which requires as many as six or more different products can result in red skin and bumps of allergic contact dermatitis or acne because of clogged pores. “Pre-teens’ skin is much thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to rashes,” Huynh said. “Products designed for adults may irritate their delicate skin.” Their immature sebaceous glands, which produce oil, may be irritated by exfoliants and heavy moisturizers and serums. One of the dangers of skin care regimens from TikTok, Instagram and beauty blogs is their complexity, Huynh said. “Multi-step routines can include products that cancel each other out or combine to cause irritation, clogged pores or dryness.” The ingredient lists of many skin care products can include glycolic acid, salicylic acid or retinoids, which can be too harsh for preteen skin. Fragrances are another issue, Huynh said. “I am a fan of fragrance-free skin care products,” she said. “If you sniff a cleanser or moisturizer and think that it smells great, that’s a sign that it could be irritating to young skin or skin at any age.” Teens and pre-teens can also have skin challenges from hormonal fluctuations, stress and diet, leading to a perfect storm for acne breakouts. For these reasons, a simple skin care routine is best, Huynh said. Start with a gentle, fragrance-free cleaner. Moisturizers should be lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning that they won’t clog pores. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for preventing sun damage. Steer clear from exfoliating, which can damage young skin. The good news for parents is that these simple skin care products are available at any discount retailer or pharmacy. Even with products that are generally considered safe for preteens, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of the skin and monitor for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction before using it more broadly. To see a pediatric dermatologist at Children’s of Mississippi, call 601- 815-3374 or make an appointment  online .