By Kara Kimbrough As promised, I compiled a list of my “favorites” from 2023 – included are new supermarket products and hidden gem restaurants that deserve a look in 2024. Without further ado, here’s what captured (and held) my attention in the previous year. 1. Yellowstone Coffee, Steak Rub/Seasoning and Chili – First, full disclosure: I’m not an avid viewer of Yellowstone, the modern-day version of “Dallas" with Kevin Costner as patriarch. However, after I received a box of products created as a result of the show’s popularity, I was eager to see if they lived up to the show’s hype. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Caramel oatmeal light roast and heavy-duty medium roast bunkhouse coffee met my high coffee expectations. The flavorful steak rub and seasoning transformed a good piece of meat into a great one. And while I found the chili to be a little spicy, it’s a product I would purchase in lieu of any other of the canned varieties on the shelf. 2. Rao’s Made for Home Ketchup – I’ve long been a fan of the New York-based Italian restaurant’s pasta sauces, so I was excited to try the chain’s newest venture into the food business. Three varieties are available: Roma Tomato, Arrabbiata and Truffle Ketchup. I’m not a fan of spicy Arrabbiata pasta sauces, so I tried the milder Roma flavor. Flavorful and delicious, it’s now a staple on my grocery list. 3. Garcia’s Donuts in Laurel – Before you state the obvious…yes, I know doughnut shops are a dime a dozen in Mississippi. But hear me out. This is no ordinary doughnut shop. In fact, I haven’t even tried their doughnuts, although they looked absolutely fabulous. I visited the small restaurant located on 16th Avenue near the U.S. 84 intersection to enjoy lunch with a friend who’d been raving about Garcia’s burgers. So, a burger was on my radar and I wasn’t disappointed. I selected the Comeback burger, but there were many others from which to choose, each one unique and equally delicious-looking. Also on the menu are sandwiches, blue plate specials and original creations that aren’t always on the menu. It’s time for a return visit so I can sample Garcia’s newest invention, fried King Cakes filled with every delicious flavor imaginable. Hours of operations are: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday; closed on Sunday. 4. Oreo Thins Lemon Cookie – Since I’m not a huge fan of chocolate, I was excited to see a Golden Oreo filled with a citrusy lemon filling. When the craving for a cookie arises, this variety of Oreo’s famous snack more than rises to the challenge. 5. Kettle Brand Unsalted Chips – I’ve long been honest about my love of potato chips, especially the uber-thick, crunchy variety produced by Kettle Brand. However, I almost had a coronary after adding up the sodium content of the chips I was consuming in one sitting. Learning Kettle produces a salt-free variety was exciting, especially since I had no viable plan for giving up my favorite snack. The only drawback is that the salt-free variety is hard to find…Walmart, Kroger…are you listening? 6.Entenmann's Glazed Cookie Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches – I’ve always been a fan of Entenmann’s packaged baked goods, but their newest product blows everything else out of the water. Picture a vanilla doughnut filled with vanilla ice cream topped with a sugary glaze. The fact that each delicious sandwich is only 7 grams of fat is the icing on the cake. 7. Activia Probiotic Dailies Lowfat Probiotic Yogurt Drinks – Being able to grab one of these flavorful drinks after a workout or any time, really, and receive my daily dose of protein, calcium and probiotics (whatever that is) made these small bottles of goodness a lifesaver this year. 8. Woody’s Roadhouse – I know I’m going to get negative feedback for including this Biloxi restaurant (there's also a Gulfport location) on the list instead of mentioning one of hundreds of locally-owned places, but here goes. Meeting a friend at the Biloxi beachfront restaurant was a decision based on convenience, but once we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. The menu was filled with a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads and seafood choices. Yes, it’s a franchise restaurant, but when the food is delicious, the view is outstanding, it’s easy to access from U.S. 90 and the price is reasonable, I have no problem recommending it as a place to enjoy a meal when visiting the Gulf Coast. 9. Mrs. Butterworth's Epic Cinnabon Pancake Kit – Who doesn’t love a massive Cinnabon cinnamon roll…or a stack of pancakes? Now, you can have the best of both worlds with this crazy-good innovation from Mrs. Butterworth. With a packet of cream cheese frosting and cinnamon-sugar sauce, it’s a win-win for every pancake-lover. 10. St. Pierre Brioche Waffles with Butter – I’ll admit it; I was a skeptic when I saw this package of shelf-stable waffles in the bread aisle. However, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to give it a try. I’m not sure how they do it – but the waffles DO taste like they’re homemade or at least, fresh from the freezer, then toaster. With a light sugary coating that does a good job of taking syrup’s place, they’re the perfect on-the-go breakfast (or anytime) snack. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

As colder temperatures are upon us, Central District Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps is urging cities, counties and residents to take proactive measures in ensuring their safety and the safety of their communities. One of the most effective ways to prepare for winter storms is by identifying and eliminating dead trees on private properties. Dead or decaying trees pose a significant risk during severe weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or high winds. These trees are more susceptible to falling or losing branches, which can cause damage to homes, vehicles, power lines and infrastructure. By removing dead trees, residents can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and property damage during winter storms. Common indicators include bare branches, loose or hanging bark, cracks in the trunk and fungal growth. If any of these signs are present, it is recommended to consult with a professional arborist for further evaluation and guidance on tree removal. “I emphasize the importance of early action and encourage cities, counties and residents to inspect their properties for any signs of dead or dying trees,” Commissioner Stamps said. “Our goal is to prioritize their safety and the safety of others before the onset of winter storms. Together, we can create safer and more resilient communities throughout our state.” For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Commissioner De’Keither Stamps, please contact: (646) 671-2229 or email dekeither.stamps@psc.ms.gov.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), in partnership with the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, urges Mississippians to plan ahead for winter weather this year. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a “wetter than average” winter for the state. Mississippians should be prepared for cold temperatures, the potential for flash flooding and prolonged power outages this season. “While we may not experience lots of snow in Mississippi, we are prone to ice during these cold months. All citizens should have a disaster go-kit that can get them through at least seventy-two hours without power,” says MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney. “Check on your neighbors and elderly, too.” “As winter approaches in Mississippi, it’s crucial to prepare for cold temperatures, potential snowy and icy conditions. Stay informed, have emergency supplies like blankets and non-perishable food on hand, and ensure your home is adequately insulated. Preparedness is key to navigating winter weather effectively in Mississippi. Now is the time to prepare,” says Michael Hill, National Weather Service Jackson Warning Coordination Meteorologist. The winter season can also make roads and bridges treacherous for drivers. “As we’ve seen in recent years, winter weather and extreme cold events capable of impacting Mississippi highways can strike quickly this time of the year,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “With that in mind, MDOT offers the public preparedness resources for the winter months, including safe driving tips, a car kit checklist, and car care information at GoMDOT.com/winter.” To winterize a home: • Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for the fireplace or wood-burning stove. • Insulate walls and attics; use caulk and weather-stripping around doors and windows. Install storm windows, or cover windows with plastic. • Winterize the house, barn, shed, or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. • Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm. • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic, and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing. • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and ensure everyone in the house knows how to use them. • Learn how to shut off water valves, in the case of a pipe bursting. • Know ahead of time what should be done to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors, or employees. Car Kit Checklist: • Windshield scraper • Jumper cables • Blankets • Water/snacks • Flashlight with extra batteries • First aid kit • Cell phone charger • Emergency flares or reflectors Disaster Go-Kit Checklist: • Non-perishable food for family and pets • Extra blankets • Additional medications • Phone charger • Flashlights • Water (1 gallon/person/day) • Dry firewood • First aid kit • Hygiene items • Extra batteries More preparedness tips can be found at MSEMA.org.

Medically underserved Mississippians in need of free dental treatment are invited to apply for services available during Dental Mission Week at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. Dental Mission Week, set for Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2024, seeks to raise awareness of issues related to access to dental care and to provide free dental care for vulnerable populations that include uninsured minor children and adults—including military veterans. Free services provided are cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth only, oral cancer screening and oral hygiene education. Those selected for treatment will be contacted by the School of Dentistry to schedule an appointment. In addition to providing necessary care to Mississippians, Dental Mission Week supports dental education in the School of Dentistry. Students learn how to become servant leaders in their communities, and they gain valuable hands-on experience, not just in dental procedures, but in making their patients feel welcome and comfortable. “Dental Mission Week is just one way the School of Dentistry can express its compassion for life, love and humanity for others,” said Melody Longino, the school’s manager of ambulatory operations and Dental Mission Week coordinator. The application deadline is Jan. 12. Download an application here. Applications are also available at the School of Dentistry or from a local Veterans Affairs facility liaison. Applications must be mailed to UMMC School of Dentistry, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39215 including a working phone number and signatures where indicated. The School of Dentistry will not accept applications that are emailed or faxed. Visit this website if you would like to donate to Dental Mission Week efforts. Additional details on Dental Mission Week are available here.

The annual energy bill for a typical single-family home is $2,060 in the United States.  Have you ever wondered just where that money goes?  Well, for the average family, a whopping 42% of that is made up of heating and cooling costs combined. Water heating is another 13% of the total cost.  Electronics account for 21% with lighting at 12% and appliances at 12%.  What are some ways you can reduce your bill and save money?  The top ten money saving tips can save you a significant amount on your energy bill. 1.       Replace any light bulb, especially ones that burn more than an hour per day, with a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. 2.       Seal from the inside.  Air sealing is an inexpensive way to lower energy costs and improve comfort. Seal gaps and holes in walls, floors, and ceilings with caulk or foam sealant.  Look for cracks around windows and where wires and pipes pass through. 3.       Plug electronic devices such as cable boxes, printers and TVs into power strips and turn off during vacations or long periods without use.  Smart power strips make it an easy task to save money. 4.       Change your central HVAC system filter when dirty according to the manufacturers recommendations.  Dirty filters can impact your home comfort and increase your electricity bill.  Make sure to change out every 30 days. 5.       A one-degree increase in heating setpoint or reduction in cooling setpoint can increase energy use by 3-5%, so to save money set your HVAC unit to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. 6.       Have your duct work checked for leaks.  Leaks at the return, air handler and supply can be a major contributor to high bills.  Mobile homes should be checked at the grill, cross over duct, and down flow air handler, for leaks. 7.       Set both the upper and lower water heater thermostats no higher than 125 degrees. 8.       An electric space heater can cost more than $100 per month to operate.  Minimize their use, except for limited or temporary spot heating.  Turn space heaters off when leaving a room. 9.       Ensure refrigerator door seals are tight.  Eliminate unnecessary refrigerators. 10.   Close shades and drapes during the day to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. For more ways to save and for the latest member information, visit www.southernpine.coop and follow Southern Pine Electric on Facebook. Southern Pine Electric is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that distributes electricity to more than 69,000 meters in 11 counties in central and south Mississippi. It is headquartered in Taylorsville and has offices in Brandon, Newton, Hattiesburg, and New Hebron.

From crayons to canvases, our little artists are making their mark! Ms T’s Preschool Daycare & After School is a community hub of creativity in Bolton. Join us in celebrating the imaginative spirit of our young learners. #BoltonCommunity #MsTsArtisticHub

By Bob Garver With the holiday season coming to an end, I can only talk about what “made” a movie like “Migration” a relative hit, as opposed to talking about its future. And that reason is that it was a “compromise” movie for families looking for a way to kill time together during the holiday break. “Wonka,” while the biggest hit of the season, came out two weeks ago, so “Migration” probably gobbled up some business from families that had already seen it. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” didn’t appeal to non-DCEU fans (and was terrible to boot). “The Color Purple” is better than all these movies (seriously, I highly recommend that one), but with its heavy subject matter, isn’t exactly fun for the whole family. The compromise was to take the kids to the animated duck movie. The Mallard family make their home in a small rural pond. Father Mack (Kumail Nanjiani) teaches son Dax (Caspar Jennings) and daughter Gwen (Tresi Gazal) to fear the dangers of the outside world, but mother Pam (Elizabeth Banks) is pretty sure they can handle some adventure if they stick together. Her attitude rubs off on the kids, and they want to migrate to Jamaica for the winter, but Mack forbids it. He’s backed up by lazy slob Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), who leads a sedentary, washed-out life. Uncle Dan’s bad example is enough to convince Mack that the family needs a vacation after all. Mack reluctantly leads the family (including Uncle Dan) toward Jamaica, but they soon get stuck in a miserable rainstorm. Pam tries to play the “it’s all part of the adventure” and “we’ll laugh about this later” cards, as parents tend to do when things go wrong on vacation, but it’s clear things are off to a bad start. Things get even worse when a heron (Carol Kane) offers the family refuge in her home, and they have to spend the night in the home of a frightening predator. It turns out that the real predator is a fish that has swam into the flooded house, but it’s an unnerving experience all the same. The family gets “lost” and ends up in New York City (though I have no idea where they started, so NYC could be south for all I know), where they befriend local streetwise pigeon Chump (Awkwafina). She makes the inevitable joke confusing Jamaica the country with the Queens neighborhood once and then leaves it alone, which was a relief to me – I thought the characters would spend about an hour making that mistake. Chump takes them to imprisoned macaw Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), who can give them directions to Jamaica, but they decide they can’t just leave him in his cage, they need to break him out so he can take them there himself. This angers his mute owner, who happens to be a chef that specializes in cooking ducks. The family spends the rest of the movie battling the chef, who has his own private helicopter so they can have a confrontation later at a duck farm (disguised an avian-friendly vacation resort for some reason, even though this isn’t “Wonka” and humans don’t need to con the ducks) and then further down the coast in the third act. “Migration” isn’t a particularly imaginative family film. It’s certainly cute and harmless enough that I don’t think anybody will truly detest it, even if they’re well outside the target audience. But it’s not the kind that I think parents will enjoy as much as their kids – save for the completely-plausible possibility that the kids find it dull too. Grade: C “Migration” is rated PG for action/peril and mild rude humor. Its running time is 83 minutes, plus nine for the pre-feature animated short “Mooned,” which follows villain Vector (Jason Segel) after the events of 2010’s “Despicable Me.” I didn’t find the short funny, but I’m glad the franchise is keeping the character alive, as I thought he was funny in the first movie and would like to see him return for future installments. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

A gripe taken from the lips of one frustrated lady, who was recently overheard in a public place. “I had the family holiday dinner at my house last week, just like I have for years.  My daughter was to bring most of the food – including the cranberry dish that she knows to always bring. But this year, for some unknown strange reason, she brought everything else, except the cranberries! Good grief, she KNOWS that is my favorite dish!” When the person who was listening sympathetically to this tale of woe asked her if she had reminded the daughter to bring that particular holiday dish, she answered, “Well, no. But she should know that she has to bring the cranberries. After all, she always has, all these years.” Oh my. So much gone wrong – on so many levels. First of all – can anyone say ungrateful attitude? “She brought most of the food…but not my cranberries that I love.”  Now, I realize that I wasn’t there, so I can’t really know - maybe the lady did tell her daughter how much she appreciated the cooking, the cost, and the love involved in providing everything. I certainly hope so. It also seems the mother made the bad mistake of just assuming that her daughter would walk through Mom’s door toting the cranberries. It would have solved so much if Mom would have asked her daughter beforehand to once again provide her famous dish. And if she didn’t, that family may have a problem in the making. Because assuming her daughter will buy, cook, and bring everything for the table – like she always does - can begin to create some hidden or unhidden resentment in the daughter. Being taken for granted is never an easy part to play, and most of us endure it unwillingly. People, what a missed opportunity! A chance to praise, to affirm, and to be gracious. And because I am meddling in another family’s business (and I do realize that fact) I’m going to say something else, and here it is: “Mom, maybe it’s time for somebody else to also volunteer, to help in providing and cooking some of the dinner.” Sometimes as times goes by, we family members just fall into habits. “So-n-so always brings the meat for our get-togethers,” so nobody else even thinks about helping in that area. Well, maybe someone needs to ask ol’ so-n-so if he still wants to buy, cook, and bring the meat year after year. Or if would he like a break or some help. My point is this; Just make certain, every once in a while, that So-n-so still wants to play that role, so that resentment doesn’t rear its ugly head and ruin what was once a good thing for your family. Common courtesy and common sense combined with open communication goes a long way to having family times that everyone enjoys.

By Kara Kimbrough In case you were waiting for it.…my annual “Favorite foods, supermarket products, restaurants and destinations of 2023” is coming next week. I’m still trying to pare the list down to a manageable level. In the meantime, I’m sharing a couple of my favorite recipes from the past year that you’ll definitely want to try in 2024. You probably already figured a soup recipe is included, but believe me when I say, this is no ordinary soup. Filled with all of my favorite ingredients – sun dried tomatoes, pasta, garlic and shrimp (although the original recipe calls for chicken, I often substitute shrimp to simulate my favorite Sun-Dried Pasta and Shrimp dish) it’s a feast for the eyes and palate. The viral (wildly popular for those not familiar with online terminology) Italian chopped sandwich was a favorite of millions in 2023. I’ve already shared the recipe, so I won’t reprint it. A close second is the also-popular smash burger. It may appear to be a regular ol’ burger, but there’s a special technique that makes it extra good. I wasn’t around in the 1950’s, but many liken it to burgers prepared at neighborhood burger joints of that era. So, there you have it- my favorite recipes of 2023. Here’s to discovering many more food finds and sharing them with you in 2024! Favorite Things Soup 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil with Italian herbs (found near the jarred pasta sauces in the supermarket) 1  tablespoon of the seasoned olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar 1  tablespoon olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 garlic cloves - minced 6 cups chicken broth 2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 2   cups cooked chicken, shredded 2   cups chopped spinach 8 ounces small bite-size pasta (shells, macaroni, etc.) 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Add 1/2 cup of the sun-dried tomatoes to a small bowl; set aside. Pour 1 tablespoon of the seasoned olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add the seasoned oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add regular olive oil and onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, for two minutes. Add broth, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Add chicken, spinach, and pasta. Simmer until the pasta is tender (around 10 minutes). Add the parmesan cheese. Stir until incorporated and serve. 2023’s Famous Smash Burger Prepare Patties – Divide 1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck and roll into 8 equal-size balls (3 ounces each), cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Make Sauce – Stir together 1/3 cup mayo, 1 teaspoon mustard and 1 teaspoon ketchup and set aside. Prep Toppings – fully prep toppings ahead to assemble the burgers right away while the patties are hot off the grill. Lettuce – thinly slice iceberg lettuce for a restaurant-style smash burger Pickles – sliced dill pickle chips are the best Tomatoes – meaty and large-sized tomatoes are recommended if available; peel and cut into thin slices Red onion – thinly slice into rings Toast buns – lightly butter the cut side of buns and toast on a griddle or skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Transfer to a rack. Cook patties – increase heat of a griddle or cast-iron skillet to medium-high. Depending on surface area, place 2 to 4 cold balls of meat onto the hot surface. Working quickly, cover each piece with a sheet of parchment paper and smash each into a thin patty using a burger press or spatula. Remove parchment paper, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, add a small amount of sauce, and flip. Sear for 2 minutes on the first side and two minutes on the second side; continue until burgers are no longer pink in the center. Add cheese – place a slice of cheese onto half of the patties and top with a second patty. Press down on top burger for a minute until cheese is melted; remove from heat. Enjoy: Serve warm on toasted buns, with toppings arranged on the bottom bun.  Make more sauce to serve with burgers if desired. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer and travel agent from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By Mika Hartman Happy 2024! As we all plan for the coming year, the possible and impossible resolutions made, the highest hope for a better tomorrow, I know whose hands our future falls in: Our children. Linda Creed wrote the lyrics for the mega hit that originally was recorded by George Benson and later by the great Whitney Houston: “Greatest Love Of All”. I was eleven in 1986 when Whitney's first album released, so everything Whitney sang was played on my record player that had disco lights; with me singing and dancing on my bed (and even in my driveway) like no one was watching. After Thanksgiving, we were traveling home and this hit came on the radio. Tears didn’t stop when I heard the lyrics that I have heard 1000’s of times before. I was thinking about Hudson and all of his tomorrows ahead; he is our future, too. “I believe the children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be” We all know these words well. Even as I am typing them, tho, they have a renewed meaning to me, just like the hope for our new year. Our focus gets on the tasks of today, but what if we put more time into tomorrow. Teach, show, give and let the (my favorite) laughter all be more contagious. But many don’t know why it was important for Whitney to record this one. Her words: “Our young people need to hear that song and realize it’s about loving yourself. If you can love yourself through all your rights and wrongs and faults, then that’s the greatest love of all.” -Whitney Houston The world is hard to understand, but Gods love isn’t. My husband treated me to a Holiday Special with LeAnn Rimes for my birthday. Ms. LeAnn said that the world would be a better place if when we looked at one another, that we understood that we were looking at the face of God in each of us. It would, hopefully, stop us from saying things we don’t mean or shouldn’t say. It would likely give us more graceful moments with humanity. LeAnn also stated that how remarkable we are with our own unique set of fingerprints that will never be duplicated and the marvel of this mind-blowing thought. The face of God is in ALL of us. We are His creation. As I have moved from being the future to raising the future, I know we have so much to learn from my son. At 5 years old, he has opened my eyes to wanting a better world. I didn’t know how much was wrong with the status quo until his birth. My uncle just visited to be Santa for our Gulf Coast Down Syndrome Society’s Christmas Party. He shared that he was invited to The White House with President Bush to be on the West Lawn for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. I was clueless to his involvement with ADA and his input on helping this monumental act become law. Seriously!? How did I not know? Because it didn’t have any meaning in my personal life. I could be mad at myself for my selfishness, but instead of getting angry, I am doing “more” to make up for my ignorance. My uncle even shared that it is his “greatest accomplishment” to have helped with this, but also his “sore-spot” in how it has been misinterpreted and twisted to reduce employment opportunities for people with disabilities. As far as its good, the ADA has shown our nations commitment to people with disabilities full civil and human rights. This act protects against discrimination of people with disabilities, too.  The U.S. Census Bureau in 2021 stated that there are 42.5 million Americans with disabilities. Of those, it was stated that over three million are children (0-18) with disabilities. There was an uptick of 0.4% from 2008 to 2019. What I get from this is that we have three million children with disabilities here today to learn from, that we have an opportunity to make the future brighter for many. In 2020, the census bureau says that the United States has 73.1 million children. What I take from this is that we have 70.1 million children to teach about their peers with disabilities. Allow them to be educated about our differences and let them be accepting of God’s gifts in the way He designed. Our future is them. Hudson is beautiful on the inside and out. He has and gives such joy. Hudson’s journey is different than that of typical 5 year olds, but it is not bad or wrong, it is his. It’s an opportunity to learn; for him AND for you and me. When we learn, we can teach. When we teach, we can bring change. And those changes can become normal behaviors of inclusion and acceptance. A celebration and a hope that is needed more than ever. The 2024 celebrations are here, the need for a better future is now. So let’s bring in this year with EXTRA kisses at midnight and a promise of a beautiful tomorrow for all. And it would be good to make a few EXTRA resolutions, too.

By Bob Garver 2023 has not been good for the DC Extended Universe. The year will end without “The Flash” as one of the top 20 highest money-earners at the domestic box office. “Blue Beetle” will finish out of the top 30, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” out of the top 40. Newest offering “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will probably fare a little better since it’s been positioned as the big Christmas weekend release, but it can finish out of the top 50 for all I care because this movie is terrible. Since we last saw Arthur Curry aka Aquaman (Jason Momoa), he’s settled into two new roles in his life. On land, he and his wife Mera (Amber Heard) have welcomed a son, which they raise alongside his parents (Nicole Kidman and Temuera Morrison). Underwater, he is now fully king of Atlantis. He likes being a father much more than being a king, but duty calls ever since he banished his brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) to a prison in the desert. His nemesis Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), has gone through some changes too, now employing a research team to help break him into Atlantis so he can avenge his late father. I have no idea how he affords his staff, his facilities, or his gadgets. I know piracy pays well, but does it pay that well? With the help of Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park), Manta stumbles across ancient Atlantean technology in the form of the Black Trident, which allows the holder to wield incredible power, but also corrupts their soul. Manta was already pretty corrupt, but with the trident, he starts wreaking havoc on the entire world. It’s up to Aquaman to stop him, and he has to do so by breaking Orm out of prison. Neither brother is thrilled to be working with the other, but the only way to defeat Manta is together. The movie is at its best when it lets Momoa and Wilson carry the scene. The actors are charismatic and play off each other well. The banter they’re given isn’t always funny, but it’s easy to see where they have the potential to be funny. Also, and I know a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, but I liked a gag where Arthur learns that his brother has never tried surface food and shares with him a certain “delicacy.” The movie is at its worst at all other times. The redemption arc for Dr. Shin is painfully drawn-out and he ultimately does so little that his good-guy status at the end feels unearned. The CGI creatures are unconvincing and unpleasant-looking. Worst of all, the underwater action sequences are murky and hard to follow. I could never keep track of who was alive and who was dead until they reemerged in follow-up scenes. It’s not quite as bad as the action in “Meg 2: The Trench,” but I’m sure that movie was hampered by a limited budget, whereas this one had much more resources and still looks like a mess. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is a throwaway DCEU movie at a time when the franchise can’t afford to throw anything away. As much as I like Momoa and Wilson, I can’t recommend putting them in another standalone movie anytime soon, not until this arm of the franchise can be completely straightened out. The only way I see these characters working again is if they’re part of a bigger team-up with more DC heroes, but even that’s looking increasingly unlikely with every character bombing lately. This movie is the best argument yet for why this version of the DCEU in its entirety should just be cut adrift. Grade: C- “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some language. Its running time is 124 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu

Fireworks were involved with over 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during 2022, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children are especially at risk for injury. The report states that those 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of injury followed by children ages 10 to 14. “Teach your child not to point or throw fireworks at people, animals, or buildings,” Chaney said. “Show children how to put fireworks in buckets of water and dispose of them properly so as not to start a fire.” The Mississippi State Fire Marshal recommends these additional safety tips: •        Observe local laws. o   Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. o   Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. •        Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. •        Never point or throw fireworks at another person. •        Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. •        Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. •        Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. •        Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. •        Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. •        Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. •        Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. •        Never give fireworks to small children. •        Never carry fireworks in your pocket. •        Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.