By Mika Hartman With school starting back, I started thinking about all the new; new classrooms, new teachers, new routines and, especially, new friends. We have a real opportunity at the beginning of so much new to start instilling new good habits, too. We can get a bedtime in place, a better dinner routine after a summer off, oh yeah, better teeth brushing routines and we can even encourage our kids (and ourselves) to be kinder humans with adding a routine of “family sharing”. Here’s a great way to share: If we were at a store and we saw a puppy running scared in the parking lot, appearing to be lost, we would call out with our favorite noises to let the puppy know we are nice. We would reach out and not hesitate to pick the puppy up. Would we hold the pup at a distance? No, we would give a sweet embrace of reassurance. We’d look around for anyone that might claim the lost pup and then worry about getting him/her back home or giving the fur baby a new home. We wouldn’t research on the internet what the puppy would need, we’d already know; Puppy food, water, a bed, exercise and loads of love. Simple. With my child with Down syndrome, I expect the same. While he won’t be lost, he does need your love, your encouragement and your acknowledgement of his presence. As his mom, I am responsible for his medical needs. You don’t have to worry about what medication he takes or when, you don’t need to know how a g-tube works (unless you want to, I am always happy to show anyone who is interested), you don’t even need to know about his extra chromosome. He is a beautiful boy who deserves this life and to be included. He just needs to know you love him and you can treat him like any child you would come across. He should never feel alone. I am his mom, I am a guaranteed security blanket, but we know we all need even more than our mom's can give. And when he goes to school, I can't always be there. I need peace, too. Hudson is NOT fragile. Actually, he is really strong. He likes to play, spin, swim, swing, wrestle and even breakdance. As he grows, he’s only getting more strong. He might not play the way your kids play, but having friends will encourage him to learn from them. I have placed him in a setting where kids are present. He’s using his sippy cup more often and better, too , he’s dancing to music, he’s trying to eat more and he’s learning to play with other children. Talk with your children, just like this. I promise they can learn from Hudson or any child with a disability or different ability, just as he/they can learn from your child. These life lessons will carry their whole lives, both kids benefit. It will create opportunities that will begin to mold who they will become. Extra kindness goes a long way. It’s just as easy to be kind as it is to be mean, but meanness cuts deep and is so unnecessary. Even a non-verbal child knows the difference. I am raising him to be kind, too; but he is really teaching us in a profound way. Your child should know that Hudson didn’t ask to be born with his extra chromosome, just as the puppy didn’t want to be lost and alone. However, we have a true responsibility to both. They both have a need to live their best lives. So why is it so easy for one to help the puppy, but then use the “r” word or only see my son’s disability? Honest answer: it starts at home with you. Valuing a person, the whole person, not a disability, skin color, religious view, political party or any other difference is the only way we can move forward. We ALL have purpose and value. You never know, maybe one day you’ll have a family member who is born with the same extra chromosome my son was born with, who will you be? It does not take us having this in front of our face to learn from Hudson or to want be better people or raise nicer children; it takes a step of loving no matter what… and passing it on. Again, simple. Kindness is free. Changing the words you use costs nothing. Cheering for the success of another has no dollar amount attached. Teaching your children all of this… EXTRA Priceless. EXTRA EXTRA: Hudson Jag Hartman was selected for the upcoming NDSS Times Square Video for his 4th year in a row. Over 2,400 submissions and NDSS selected 500 for the 2022 NYC Jumbotron Show. Join the NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society) Facebook page on September 17th. The LIVE from NYC will begin at 8:30 am (CT). If you wish to join our team, we are “Team Hudson The Strong”. Donations can be made to: https://give.ndss.org/team/430719 Your love is EXTRA awesome. Thank you.

Everybody has heard that cliché. I am saying something a little different. Don’t use all those eggs in your basket just for you - using your gifts and abilities only for your needs and wants. “I take care of me, and eva’body else needs to take care of themselves. No way that takin’ care of them is my job!” But those eggs you are protecting so fiercely with that attitude? Well, think back to those Easter egg hunts as a child, when some of the eggs were never located. Later on, when they turned up, those things were rotted and stinking. Of if they had been there long enough, they looked like they belonged in a museum for petrified things. Unused eggs can only last just so long. Please do not misunderstand, I am not saying that you should give all your eggs to everyone else and leave none for you. Of course you need to take care of you. The Bible teaches that a person who doesn’t know how to love himself cannot really love others. But life is meant to be shared with those around us. Hoarding your eggs leads to loneliness in life. So if you aren’t a fan of loneliness, share your eggs. Spend some time with a person who has lost their one special loved one, and who now does nothing for anyone else. Most of the time, you will hear a lonely, purposeless person talking only about themselves and their problems. Self-centeredness is a deadly bullet that can kill the very heartbeat of the one who is desperately seeking to find fulfillment and happiness. Talk about focus gone awry. They are doing the very thing that is causing their problem. Folks, it’s not a wise decision to depend upon one human relationship to supply all the answers to your every dream, desire and want. To rely on that one person to make your life worth living. In the end, when for some reason they can’t be your all-in-all, you are left totally alone and hurting. No one person should hold that much sway over your happiness. That is too big of a burden for them, and they shouldn’t have to carry it for you. Plus, it gives that person waaaaay too much control over your life. For your sake and loved ones, center your life on a relationship with God. The One Person who will gladly share any heavy burden and will never use His relationship with you to manipulate and control. He always leaves your decisions up to you, even when He knows the consequences will be devastating. But at the same time, He will never desert you when you are hurting with those very consequences. Your eggs were given to you for a reason. To connect you with others. Fry them, scramble ‘em, poach or bake them, but please, pull them out of your Just For Me Basket and use ‘em.

By Kara Kimbrough If you pay attention to the calendar (not the one that says summer ends when school starts and temperature are hovering near 90), the end of summer is finally near. For those interested in such facts, summer officially begins at the June solstice and ends on the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22. But for many, the season will end as the sun descends on Sept. 5 at the end of what I hope is a leisurely Labor Day weekend for all. For me, when all-American smells of lighter fluid, glowing charcoal briquettes and sizzling meat waft gently into the night, that’s the cue that fall is on the horizon. If, also like me, you follow the axiom that in the south, fall is the perfect time of year to grill out, I have just the thing for you too help extend grilling season. It was actually one of the biggest scoops of my journalism career. I uncovered the secret to great grilled meat. It started innocently enough. Several years ago, I was invited to attend a regional barbecue cook-off. Over 30 teams from eight southern states located along the barbecue belt gathered to compete in a prestigious grilling contest. I’ll omit the name and here’s why. Wandering up to one of the cooking team sites, I met a member who’ll remain nameless. That's because he received a severe scolding when other members discovered he’d shared some of the top secret grilling recipes with me. In the spirit of anonymity, I’ll share them without divulging his identity. For great burgers, take a pound of ground sirloin or turkey, mix in a package of Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix and crushed Ritz crackers and form patties. Coat with Tony Chachere’s Seasoning and grill to desired doneness. Steak-lovers who desire something different should try hand-made filet mignons, which can be cut to order at any service meat counter. Coat with Tony’s or other favorite seasoning and grill to perfection. And the top secret of all the secret recipes? It involves great ribs, the perfect end to summer’s grilling season. Full disclosure: this is the recipe that was supposed to be a closely-guarded secret. Since several years have passed, I feel comfortable in sharing it. Trim off all fat and soak in – here’s the secret part - pineapple juice with a splash of lemon juice for about five hours. For the all-important rub, sprinkle with Tony’s, then roll in brown sugar to coat. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, shake off excess sugar and grill at a low heat. Five minutes before they’re done, coat with your favorite barbecue sauce. Yes, it’s somewhat sad that summer is almost over but I’ll be grilling and enjoying the products from others' grills until frost bites. Until then, enjoy my journalistic scoop as well as the recipe for the tastiest burgers of the summer. Best Labor Day Burgers, Buns & Sauce (makes 8 large burgers) 3 pounds ground chuck 2 large eggs 1/2 cup store-bought (or you can make your own in the food processor) bread crumbs 1/2 cup onions, finely diced (can substitute a packet of Lipton's Onion Soup Mix 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (I add more simply because I like the taste) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons each: dried oregano, salt 1 teaspoon each: smoked paprika, ground black pepper Add eggs to a bowl and whisk well. Add other ingredients and mix just until combined. Form into 8 equal patties and make a small indentation in the top of each one with a spoon so burgers will cook evenly. If you have time, let the patties chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, as chilled meat stays together better during cooking. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping only once, until burgers reach desired doneness. To cook on the stovetop, a method that creates a crispy exterior, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook for 4-5 minutes until brown, then flip once and cook to desired doneness. Better Buns: Melt two sticks of salted butter, then stir in just a dash of your favorite hot sauce, minced garlic or other seasoning. Brush inside of buns and place face down for a few minutes on a hot grill. If using the oven, toast buns in a hot skillet on a baking sheet inside a 300-degree oven. Watch buns carefully, as you don't want them to get too brown or crispy. Burger sauce: combine 2 parts mayonnaise to 1 part barbecue sauce, then add a dash of pickle relish (to taste).

On Saturday, September 3, 2022, Jackson Hinds Comprehensive Health Center will be offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at The Mount Olive M.B. Church Fellowship Hall. This is located at 6449 West Northside Drive in Bolton, MS. The time of the event is from 9AM to 1PM. No appointments are necessary! Adults and children are welcome. Bring a friend or family member with you to get them vaccinated also.

Op-ed by Dr. Rick Gilbrech, Director, NASA's Stennis Space Center On Aug. 29, over 100,000 visitors are expected to dot Florida’s Space Coast to watch the maiden launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis I mission. The flight is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions, providing a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrating NASA’s commitment and capability to extending human presence to the Moon and eventually Mars. Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, establish long-term lunar science and exploration capabilities, and inspire the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation. As the public views this historic launch in-person and via livestreams around the world, all of Mississippi can be proud of the frontline work conducted at NASA’s Stennis Space Center to help make the moment possible. Each one of the four RS-25 engines that will help launch Artemis I was fired and proven flightworthy on the Fred Haise Test Stand at Stennis. The center also tested the engines in unison during the full-duration, 500-second Green Run test of the Artemis I SLS core stage. For Green Run, Stennis installed the 212-foot-tall core stage on the historic B-2 Test Stand and conducted a series of tests of its integrated systems. The Green Run campaign culminated with a hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines – just as during an actual launch – in March 2021. It represented the most powerful test conducted at Stennis in more than 50 years and demonstrated to all that SLS and Artemis I were ready to fly. It also continued Stennis’ historic support in helping to power this nation’s human space exploration efforts. The center tested Saturn V stages that carried humans to the Moon during the Apollo Program. It also tested every main engine that powered 135 missions during the Space Shuttle Program. As Stennis director, I feel blessed to lead such a talented and dedicated team. I am extremely proud of our workforce and the center’s continuing role in this new chapter of space exploration, which truly has been a national effort. In fact, Artemis I features contributions from all 50 states across America and will bring along commercial and international partners as it inspires the next generation of explorers. At Stennis alone, more than 120 companies, large and small, in 28 states, including the District of Columbia, contributed to our Green Run testing of the Artemis I core stage in some way. The mission also marks an exciting return of a spacecraft built for humans – the Orion spacecraft – to the Moon as we check out systems without crew before astronauts fly on Artemis II. This is a critical first step in NASA’s journey to return astronauts, including the first woman and first person of color, to the Moon’s surface and to establish a sustainable lunar presence as we prepare for crewed missions to Mars. At Stennis, we enjoy witnessing the “shake, rattle, and roar” of rocket engine tests. We also eagerly anticipate the upcoming roar of the fully integrated SLS, the most powerful rocket in the world and the only rocket capable of sending humans into deep space. With Artemis I and subsequent missions, we will do what has never been done before and ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership in exploration. I began my journey with NASA when Neil Armstrong put the first human footprints on the Moon in 1969 and have been hooked ever since. Since that day when I was all of seven years old, I have dreamed of experiencing another Moon landing during my NASA career. No longer is a return to the Moon a distant dream. That moment is now. The Artemis Generation has arrived. To watch the Artemis I launch, visit: Artemis I Launch to the Moon (Official NASA Broadcast) - YouTube For information about NASA Stennis Space Center, visit: www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/

Mississippi’s top college football player will be announced during the C Spire Conerly Trophy Presentation in Jackson, Mississippi following the conclusion of the regular football season. While a full season of surprises awaits Magnolia State football fans, the Preseason Watch List for the 2022 C Spire Conerly Trophy features a few familiar names. Last year’s winner, Ole Miss Quarterback Matt Corral, has gone on to the NFL, but five of the 2021 nominees return to their respective schools for another year of action and a shot at winning the coveted prize. The prestigious C Spire Conerly Trophy is awarded to the top college football player in the state at the end of the regular football season . C Spire has been the presenting title sponsor of the C Spire Conerly Trophy since its inception in 1996 and is proud to continue to recognize the outstanding college football student athletes in Mississippi. Previous winners of the C Spire Conerly Trophy have gone on to successful NFL careers including Eli Manning, Jerious Norwood, Dak Prescott, and Evan Engram. Two former recipients, Deuce McAllister and Patrick Willis, have been enshrined in the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. The following is a list of standout players from each football-playing university or college in the state to keep an eye on this season: Alcorn State University: Coach Fred McNair hopes to return to SWAC domination this year and will depend in part on CJ Bolar (WR), Claudin Cherelus (LB), and Niko Duffey (RB). Belhaven University: Kolbe Blunt (RB), Connor Fordham (LB), and Kendrioun Boatman (OL) are expected to play a major role for Blazer’s Head Coach Blaine McCorkle this season. Delta State University: The Statesmen will be led into the season with Cole Kirk (QB) at the helm of the offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Tim Williams (DE) is expected to be a top producer for Coach Todd Cooley. Jackson State University: Sophomore Shedeur Sanders (QB) will return to lead the Tiger offense after a record-setting freshman year earned him a spot as a 2021 C Spire Conerly finalist. He will be joined by two-way player Travis Hunter (WR/CB), the top-rated high school player in the nation last season. Millsaps College: Coach Issac Carter’s team returns Moïse Tezzo (WR), last year’s nominee from Millsaps. Tezzo, a senior out of Texas, also returns kicks for the Majors. Mississippi College: The Choctaws are expected to have a healthy ball carrier in Cole Fagan (RB), a senior transfer from the Air Force Academy. Blane Cannon (OL) will be opening holes for Fagan; and Nick Walker (DB), a transfer from Illinois, is expected to be a top defender. Mississippi State University: Will Rogers (QB) was one of the top contenders for this award last season, and head coach Mike Leach is expecting great things from his junior signal caller. Leading the “Air Raid” offense, Rogers passed for 3,722 yards and 29 touchdowns. Nathan Pickering (DT) should be an anchor on the other side of the ball for the Bulldogs. Mississippi Valley State University: Memphis native Caleb Johnson (RB) represented MVSU at the 2021 C Spire Conerly and can be found on several Preseason 1st Team Lists and Player Watch Lists for the SWAC this season. Other names to watch for this team include Ronnie Thomas (DL), Jalen Bell (DL), and Caleb Brunson (DB). University of Mississippi: The quarterback competition for the Rebels is still underway with junior Kinkead Dent joining sophomores Luke Altmyer and Jaxson Dart in the battle. Zach Evans (RB) and Jonathan Mingo (WR) are also names to watch. University of Southern Mississippi: Coach Will Hall begins his second year leading the Golden Eagles with several potential standouts including last year’s C Spire Conerly nominee Malik Shorts (DB). Other notables are Ty Keyes (QB), Frank Gore, Jr. (RB) and Tylan Knight (DB), a transfer from Ole Miss. About C Spire C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class, customer-inspired wireless communications, 1 Gigabit consumer Internet access as well as a full suite of dedicated Internet, wireless, IP Voice, data and cloud services for businesses. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire. About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

Officials gathered at the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Administration Building in Jackson today to cut ribbon on the recently completed Interstate 20 bridge replacement project. Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons was joined by House Speaker Philip Gunn and other officials to celebrate the completion of this massive infrastructure improvement project. The project called for the replacement of the I-20 eastbound bridge that spanned U.S. Highway 51, Interstate 55 south and Canadian National / Illinois Central Railroad in Jackson. Work consisted of building a larger, adjacent structure and demolishing the old I-20 eastbound bridge between State Street and Gallatin Street in Jackson. “Despite starting at the beginning of the pandemic, I commend all crews for being able to complete this critical project on schedule without any complete shutdowns of I-20,” said Simmons. “The new bridge and other work items have made this vital cross country route a safer corridor for local and commercial traffic.” The project included the widening of I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound for the new bridge and roadway alignment ramps. Other significant work included asphalt paving along I-20 eastbound and I-55 northbound, slide repairs, drainage and slope pavement improvements and upgrades to electrical and ITS components. The new bridge is composed of some of the largest concrete beams in the state. Spanning the railroad are 84 inch tall prestressed beams, approximately 170 feet long and weighing over 200,000 pounds each. This was the first project in the department’s history to utilize a self-propelled modular transport system to set the beams. An average of 114,000 vehicles travel this stretch of interstate daily, making it one of the most heavily traveled roadways in the state. The new bridge and other work items included in the project have made this vital cross country route a safer corridor for local and commercial traffic. Work began in March 2020. The $42.3 million project was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. Stay updated on maintenance and construction projects at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mrs. Johnson took her little boy with her when she stopped by her neighbor’s home to deliver a casserole for the grieving widow. Mr. Cline had died suddenly and the community was rallying to aid and comfort his grieving wife. Getting ready to leave after a short visit with all the neighbors gathered there, Mrs. Johnson couldn’t locate her five-year-old, Davey. She quietly began to search through all the rooms of the large home. But to no avail, that boy had completely disappeared. Mystified and a little anxious, she finally noticed a short hallway leading off the large foyer. Knowing this might be the answer to the missing Davey, she walked down the hall towards a closed double door. But as she drew closer, she heard the unmistakable sounds of quiet, desperate, feminine sobbing. Realizing this must be the private bedroom of the lonely widow, she turned to quietly retreat back to the kitchen. But then a very familiar small voice coming faintly from behind that door stopped her in her tracks. With horror she realized that her rambunctious friendly little son had disturbed the privacy of the widow, tucked away in her bedroom to grieve alone. Embarrassed at his intrusion, she turned back and eased the door open, intending to apologize profusely, grab her wayward child, and beat a quick retreat. But as she looked into the room, she saw her son sitting motionless on the edge of the bed where Mrs. Cline lay, eyes closed, sobbing her heart out. Davey was holding the limp hand of the widow as silent tears slid down his own cheeks. Her son finally looked up and spied Mom frantically motioning him to come away from the bed and out into the hallway. She walked him rapidly back to the living room, said all her goodbyes, and left. When she finally had Davey in the car, mom turned and asked what in the world possessed him to disturb Mrs. Cline in her bedroom. Davey turned sad innocent eyes up to his mom’s, and said in a very subdued voice, “I was just looking around the house to have sumpin’ to do. But when I found that door and I opened it, there was Mrs. Cline, just layin’ there crying. Everybody needs somebody to cry with when they hurt, Mom. I was just helpin’ her cry.” Out of the mouth of babes. Everyone needs someone to care when they hurt. Words aren’t always necessary, and sometimes truly unneeded. But to share their pain and grieve with them? To just be there, share a warm hug, do a chore that you know you can do for them…those acts of thoughtfulness are always welcome to a person who has lost a part of their world. Don’t be afraid to give love and care. And many times, it is best done - not just said.

By Kara Kimbrough Finishing up my list of some – note the keyword some – of the state’s best dishes served at my (and friends’) favorite restaurants, a trip to the northern region of the state is in order. Filled with miles of scenic countryside highlighted by stunning Delta sunrises and sunsets, quaint downtown areas and bustling cities, historic homes and active college towns, the area is one everyone needs to explore at some point in life. Besides all the aforementioned qualities, there are wonderful restaurants found in almost every city and town. Here are a few to check out: A trip to Greenwood is never complete without a stop by the famed Crystal Grill, one of the state’s oldest restaurants. Since 1933, the family-owned eatery has been drawing locals as well as celebrities and national journalists. Everything on the menu is worth a try, but two of the most requested items are stuffed shrimp and for dessert, a slice of lemon pie with mile-high meringue. If you’re near Greenwood, you may as well drive a little further west and stop by Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville. Besides a storied past dating back several decades, Doe’s serves, quite simply, one of the best (and largest) steaks you’ll ever taste in your life. My cut of choice is the ribeye, which covers the entire plate and is large enough for 2-3 meals. With a side of Doe’s famous salad and tamales served in a rustic wood-frame building, it’s an experience unlike any other. Other locations can be found inside Biloxi’s Margaritaville and in Ridgeland. Travel east and drop by Starkville, filled with popular restaurants like The Little Dooey. Another can’t-miss spot is Harvey’s, a staple in the college town’s culinary scene. Harvey’s is known as a great place to enjoy a steak and according to friends, the prime rib is simply the best they’ve ever tasted. Other locations are found in Tupelo and Columbus. A little further north is Batesville, where one of the most creatively named restaurants ever, The Kennel Club Steakhouse awaits. Peruse the menu of the restaurant and you’ll find equally interesting categories like The Temptations (appetizers), Beach Boy salads and Rat Pack entrees. Favorite dishes of area chamber executives include the chargrilled oysters, French onion soup and grilled steaks with peppercorn sauce. In nearby Oxford, a plethora of restaurants ranging from breakfast and comfort food spots to fine dining establishments await. One that stands out, probably due to my love of all things Italian, is Tarasque Cucina. It’s hard to choose just one dish, so I’ll mention two: pappardelle bolognese and linguini with shrimp in cream. With a side Caesar salad fit for the gods, you won’t go wrong with either entree. Last, but certainly not least in taste are the steaks at The Como Steakhouse. It's been discovered by national food writers and others from outside the state, so it’s only right Mississippi residents see what all the fuss is about. If you’ve never visited the small town just north of Sardis, it’s time to stop in and visit its namesake steakhouse. If I missed one of your favorites in this or preceding lists, drop me an email and tell me all about it. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Bob Garver NOTE: This movie is available in both an English-dubbed version and a Japanese version with English subtitles. This review is based on The English-dubbed version. Here we are with another anime movie based on a property that is entirely unfamiliar to me. Actually, that’s not true – I’ve at least heard of “Dragon Ball” (though this is the first time I haven’t seen a “Z” attached) and I know its main character is named Goku. That’s more than I can say for recent big-screen versions of “Demon Slayer” and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” but I know it isn’t much help. Just remember that everything that follows is from the perspective of someone who is very late to the “Dragon Ball” party. The film largely follows characters that are descended from supposedly familiar players. Evil tycoon Magenta, the son of previous villain Commander Red, teams up with Dr. Hedo, the brilliant-but-arrogant grandson of evil scientist Dr. Gero, to reform the defunct Red Ribbon Army and create androids that can take over the world. Hedo creates formidable fighters Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 as a sort of warm-up. The two think they’re superheroes working for the good guys, hence the film’s title. But Hedo’s real assignment is to perfect Cell Max, a massive being capable of unimaginable destruction. I hate it when villains seek to cause irreparable damage to the planet in the name of ruling it – do they really want to take over a massive crater? – but clearly Magenta is set on going in this direction. Opposing the new evil alliance is Piccolo, a humanoid alien and former adversary of Goku, now an honorable fighter that previously trained Goku’s son Gohan and is currently training Gohan’s daughter Pan. Piccolo wants Gohan to join the fight against the new Red Ribbon Army, but Gohan may have gone soft since settling down with his family. Perhaps Piccolo can reach out to some old friends for help. Or maybe he can use wishes from a Dragon Ball to make himself more powerful. Wait, that’s what the Dragon Balls do, grant wishes three at a time? Quick, somebody use a Dragon Ball to make the bad guys evaporate or something. Someone comments that Piccolo has too much pride to use a Dragon Ball wish like that, but what’s everyone else’s excuse? Actually, the wasting of two Dragon Ball wishes is probably the funniest scene in the movie. By the way, there’s a subplot about Goku and friends Vegeta and Broly on a planet controlled by Beerus, the God of Destruction. All Goku and company do is spar with one another and all Beerus does is feast and nap. There’s a tease that they’ll get involved in the battle on Earth, but nothing ever comes of it. The sequence only serves as a poor excuse to get Goku in the movie and it’s a huge waste of time. Unnecessary cameos aside, a lot of character-driven scenes in this movie work. I found it easy to get wrapped up in Piccolo and his frustration in trying to find assistance, Dr. Hedo and his drive to continue his research by any means necessary, and Gohan and his reluctant return to heroism. Even the Gamma androids have more personality and a stricter moral code than it would seem at first glance. As with many animes, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” can’t stick the landing with the climactic battle. Cell Max is a big, dumb, hollow character, and Magenta before him was an unremarkable megalomaniac, save for how remarkably hard it was to take him seriously. Death blows are dealt about four times and usually turn out to be fake-outs, forcing the already-overlong battle to continue. Still, there’s a lot to like about “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” even if you’re new to the series, though I’m sure fans will find even more of value. Grade: B- “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” is rated PG-13 for some action/violence and smoking. Its running time is 100 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Mississippi’s statewide assessments measure students’ academic aptitude from pre-K through high school. Pre-K students and kindergarteners are evaluated at the beginning and end of the school year. The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) recently released the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Update for the 2021-22 school year, which showed the majority of pre-K and kindergarten students made gains over the course of the school year but fell short of pre-pandemic achievement levels. Pre-K and kindergarteners take a Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in the fall and spring of each school year. At Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School, in fall 2021, the scaled score average on the test was 515. When the students were retested in the spring of 2022, the scaled score average was 680. A score of 681 is considered kindergarten-ready, and 63.33% of the students who were tested at BEEMS in the spring met or exceeded that score. “Despite the learning disruptions caused by COVID-19, Mississippi kindergarteners still showed significant growth during the 2021-22 school year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of their teachers to accelerate learning,” said Dr. Kim Benton, interim state superintendent of education. “Teachers will be able to use these results to inform instruction in the early grades. Schools may also implement tutorial services and extended learning services this fall.” The MDE has outlined specific guidance for school districts on ways to improve outcomes. At the agency level, the MDE will implement various strategies, such as Science of Reading and Regional Literacy Trainings statewide for paraprofessionals and K-5 teachers, offer intervention coaching to kindergarten and first-grade teachers, and provide professional development on Kindergarten Readiness reports to inform targeted small group instruction. The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment provides parents, teachers, and early childhood providers with a common understanding of what children know and are able to do upon entering school. Teachers use the results as an instructional baseline to tailor classroom instruction and other services for pre-K and kindergarten students.​ The assessment also measures how well pre-K programs prepare 4-year-old children to be ready for kindergarten. To view the full assessment results, visit www.MDEK12.org/OPR/Reporting/Assessment/2021-22.

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds announced the entertainment lineup along with new attractions, including the Great American Wild West Show, for its largest annual event, the Mississippi State Fair. The 163rd Mississippi State Fair will take place October 6 – 16 at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. This year, the Fair will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony open to the public at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, at Gate 1 on the corner of Jefferson Street and Amite Street. “I look forward to welcoming the public to the 163rd Mississippi State Fair on Thursday, October 6. The State Fair continues to grow each year incorporating new activities for 11 days of fun-filled, family entertainment,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “I am excited to announce the newest addition to your State Fair - the Great American Wild West Show. The Great American Wild West Show is a high energy, exciting and entertaining western show. For more than 25 years, the Endsley Family has brought to life the pageantry and excitement of the American West. Just as Buffalo Bill took the ‘Wild West’ to the masses, the Endsley Family has brought the ‘Great American Wild West’ to life. This show travels around the country performing at numerous State Fairs, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.” The Great American Wild West Show will take place daily at 5:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., with additional performances at 2:00 p.m. during the weekend. The Show will be located in the Mississippi Frontier Village with the pig races, petting zoo, pony rides, train depot, rattlesnake show and other activities. Four nationally recognized artists will perform on the Budweiser Main Stage: Scotty McCreery, B.o.B., Midnight Star and Bobby Rush. Admission to the concerts is free with regular fair admission. Local artists and bands will perform on the Main Stage throughout the duration of the Fair. The Mississippi State Fair Talent Show is making a comeback at the 2022 State Fair. The Talent Show takes place Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the Coliseum. New this year is the 2022 Little Miss Mississippi State Fair beauty pageant taking place Sunday, October 9, at 9:00 a.m. Fairgoers can continue to expect the best of carnival rides and games, fair food, livestock shows and the Zerbini Family Circus. The Ag Expo with the Genuine MS® Store will be located inside of the Trade Mart. Returning to the Equine Center on the first weekend of the State Fair is the X-Treme Bull Riding Fall Nationals and the Tri State Rodeo. “Our staff works year-round to produce a great Mississippi State Fair,” said Michael Lasseter, Executive Director of the Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex. “This year, we have worked diligently to not only produce a great and safe State Fair, but to also present a new website to make keeping up with the Fairgrounds easier and more convenient. Also, we have created a new Instagram account that will keep everyone up to date with all the events happening on the Fairgrounds, including the upcoming 163rd Mississippi State Fair.” To keep the public informed on all the latest updates and information for events happening on the fairgrounds, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) has launched a new website at www.mississippifairgrounds.com and Instagram page at @MississippiFairgrounds for the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. The Mississippi State Fair runs Thursday, October 6, through Sunday, October 16, with a gate admission price of $5.00 per person and parking fee of $5.00 per car. Children aged 6 and under will be admitted free of charge. The public can purchase advance admission tickets at the Coliseum Box Office until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 6. Enjoy free admission every weekday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., except on Monday, October 10, Columbus Day. For additional information, please visit www.mississippifairgrounds.com, and follow the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.