That’s why it helps to think beyond basic size and shape. A waste container should match the material being collected, the pace of the work being done, and the layout of the facility. When those details line up, the entire process feels smoother. Use these tips to help you choose the right waste container.

Start With the Type of Waste

Before picking a container, look closely at what will go into it. Solid debris, scrap metal, packaging waste, and liquid byproducts all place different demands on storage and removal. Some materials are heavy and abrasive, while others are lightweight but bulky. Some need sealed containment, while others only need open-top access for quick disposal.

That’s where choosing between different industrial waste containers becomes important. A container that works well for dry cardboard may fail in an area that handles wet waste, sharp scraps, or dense material. Matching the container to the waste type helps prevent leaks, overflow, and unnecessary wear.

Think About Volume and Frequency

Capacity matters, but bigger isn’t always better. A large container can hold more waste, yet it may take up valuable floor space or become too heavy to move safely once full. A smaller option may fit the workspace better, though it could require more frequent emptying.

The best choice depends on how much waste your team produces in a normal day or week. If waste builds up quickly, a higher-capacity container can reduce interruptions. If output stays light or inconsistent, a compact unit may keep the area cleaner and easier to manage. It helps to balance storage needs with practical handling.

Consider Placement and Access

A waste container should fit the space where people use it. If it sits too far from the work area, people may delay disposal or leave material where it doesn’t belong. If it blocks walkways or equipment paths, it creates frustration and safety concerns.

Think about how employees will reach the container and how often they’ll need to use it. Lid style, opening height, wheel access, and pickup clearance all matter. A good container supports the flow of work instead of disrupting it. When placement makes sense, cleanup becomes a more natural part of the routine.

Match Durability to the Job

Not every work environment treats containers gently. Some settings involve sharp edges, heavy loads, rough handling, or outdoor exposure. In those cases, durability matters just as much as capacity. A weak container may crack, warp, or break down faster than expected, which leads to replacement costs and more hassle.

Look at the material, construction quality, and intended use. A container built for light commercial trash may not hold up in an industrial setting. When the job is demanding, stronger construction pays off.

Plan for Long-Term Use

It’s easy to focus on immediate needs, but long-term function matters too. Waste output can change as operations grow, processes shift, or regulations evolve. Choosing a flexible solution now can save time and money later.

The right waste container supports daily cleanup, fits the workspace, and holds up under real conditions. When you choose with purpose, waste handling becomes more efficient, more organized, and much easier to manage.

How Frequently Should You Schedule an Inspection?

Most homes benefit from a full electrical inspection every three to five years. Older homes may need more frequent visits. Wiring, panels, and outlets wear down over time, even without obvious warning signs. A licensed electrician can catch small issues early and help you find a safe, energy-efficient solution.

Situations That Call for a Sooner Inspection

Some scenarios call for a quicker checkup instead of waiting several years. A recent home purchase is one of the most common reasons to book an inspection right away. Renovations or new appliances can also place extra demand on your electrical system.

Signs like flickering lights, tripped breakers, or warm outlets point to problems that shouldn’t wait. There are many telling signs you need to replace an old electrical outlet. Keep an eye out for these key indicators so you can prevent problems from happening at home.

What Happens During an Electrical Inspection?

A professional inspection goes beyond a quick look at your breaker panel. Electricians review wiring, outlets, grounding, and overall system performance. They also check that everything aligns with current safety standards. Homes change over time, and inspections help your electrical system keep up with modern needs.

If it’s been a few years since your last inspection, now is a great time to take action. A professional checkup can catch hidden concerns and keep your home running smoothly. Knowing how often your electrical system needs to be inspected gives you the confidence to plan ahead and avoid unexpected issues. Reach out to a trusted electrician and keep your home safe, efficient, and ready for whatever comes next.

Manual Wrapping Is Slowing Production

A packaging line should move at a steady pace from packing to palletizing to shipment. When workers must stop and wrap every pallet by hand, that flow breaks down. Products may be ready to go, but the line still stalls at the end.

As volume increases, manual wrapping can turn into a daily bottleneck that eats up labor and delays outgoing orders. If the wrapping stage feels slower than every other part of the process, that is a strong sign the line has outgrown its current method.

Loads Look Inconsistent from One Pallet to the Next

A stable pallet starts with a consistent wrap. Hand wrapping can vary from employee to employee and even from pallet to pallet during the same shift.

One load may be secure, while the next leans, shifts, or exposes corners. That inconsistency can damage goods, make storage unstable, and cause transport problems. A packaging line that wraps loads unevenly may need equipment that applies film with the same pattern and tension each time.

Stretch Film Use Keeps Rising

When a business burns through film faster than they expect, the issue may be inefficiency rather than demand. Hand wrapping can create excess layers, waste material, and cause poor control over tension. That means higher supply costs without better protection.

A business trying to control expenses should pay attention to how much film it uses compared with how well loads hold together. This will also help them choose the right stretch wrapper for their line.

Employees Spending Too Much Energy on Wrapping

Another sign your packaging line needs a stretch wrapper is employee fatigue. Wrapping pallets by hand requires constant walking, bending, pulling, and twisting. That physical strain can wear down employees over time and make the end of the line one of the most demanding parts of the job.

A packaging process should support workers, not drain them with repetitive motion. If employees spend too much time and effort securing loads, a stretch wrapper may help reduce strain while improving consistency at the same time.

Business Growth Is Pressuring the Current Setup

A wrapping process that worked well for a smaller operation may stop working once order volume increases. More shipments, more pallets, and tighter schedules can expose the limits of a manual system. When growth starts to create pileups at the end of the line, the packaging setup needs to keep pace.

Conclusion

In the end, a packaging line should help a business move products safely, efficiently, and with less strain on workers. When wrapping starts to slow production, waste materials, or leave loads unstable, that is a sign the process may need a better solution. For businesses in Pelahatchie and the surrounding area, upgrading to the right stretch wrapping system can support smoother daily operations and help protect every shipment from the warehouse to its destination.

Grip Changes First

Old tires lose flexibility as the rubber hardens over time. With that shift, the tread cannot conform to the road surface as easily during a fast lane change or panic stop. The contact patch may still exist, yet it no longer behaves with the same confidence it had when the tire was newer. As a result, emergency inputs can feel less precise and more dramatic.

Stopping Feels Longer

Braking on older tires can feel uneven because reduced tread depth and aging rubber reduce traction. Even before a tire looks completely worn out, its ability to manage weight transfer under hard braking can start to fade. That is exactly why tire tread depth impacts braking distance in daily commutes. In a tense moment, that extra hesitation can make the vehicle feel heavier and slower to settle.

Steering Response Gets Vague

Quick steering corrections depend on a tire’s ability to bite into the pavement without delay. However, an older tire may respond with a slight softness or lag that makes the front end feel less direct. The sensation can turn a simple evasive move into something that feels looser or harder to judge. Consequently, the driver may feel the car reacts a fraction later than expected.

Wet Roads Make It Worse

Rain tends to magnify every weakness an old tire already has. Shallower grooves move less water, while hardened rubber struggles to maintain grip on slick pavement. Under those conditions, braking, turning, and recovering from a sudden maneuver can all feel more nervous at once. Even a minor emergency can seem bigger because the tires are working with a smaller margin for error.

Part of emergency handling is mechanical, but part of it is emotional. When tires feel inconsistent, the driver senses that instability before fully understanding it. Small corrections become second guesses, and smooth reactions become abrupt ones. In the end, why emergency maneuvers feel different on old tires comes down to less trust between the vehicle and the road.

Buy Land Through a Traditional Sale

Buying farmland through a standard real estate sale is one of the most direct ways to get started. It gives you a clear price and a defined closing process, plus time to review zoning rules, water access, soil quality, and boundary lines before you commit. You can also compare several properties instead of jumping on the first one you see. For someone new to farming, this route gives you room to ask questions, line up financing, and avoid costly surprises later.

Lease Farmland from a Landowner

Leasing farmland is a practical option for people who want to start farming without buying land right away. It cuts the upfront cost and gives you time to gain real experience on working land. You can figure out what kind of setup fits your goals before taking on a full purchase. Some landowners rent out fields or small farm parcels they no longer use. Before signing, read the agreement closely so you know how long the lease lasts and what responsibilities fall on you.

Look For Farmland at Auction

Participating in auctions is another way to acquire farmland. Auctions can be a way to secure property at a lower cost than it would sell for normally, if you brush up on strategies for winning auctions and understand the terms before bidding.

Start by finding auction listings in your area and checking whether the sale will happen online or on-site. From there, register with the auction company, review the terms, confirm the required deposit, and verify how payment is handled if you win. On auction day, you’ll place bids based on the auction format. If you win, you’ll sign the purchase agreement and submit the required payment or deposit right away.

Buy Land with a Partner

Buying farmland with a partner can make ownership more realistic when the full cost is too high to handle alone. Some people go in with a family member, while others partner with another farmer or investor. A shared purchase can lower the down payment and spread out ongoing costs. Before moving forward, both parties need a written agreement that explains ownership shares, decision-making authority, and what happens if one person wants out later.

Purchase Land Through Owner Financing

Some farmland sellers are open to financing the sale themselves, which gives buyers another path to ownership when a traditional lender says no. Instead of borrowing from a bank, you make payments directly to the seller under terms both sides agree to in writing. This option can give you more flexibility at the start, but the contract needs to be clear on price, payment dates, interest, and default terms before anything moves forward.

Finding Your Way In

Getting started doesn’t mean there’s only one right move. Want to start a farm and not sure what the best path for acquiring land is? Take a close look at your budget, your timeline, and how much responsibility you want from day one. A good land deal should fit your goals and give you room to build something real.

Good news, grown-ups, even though most of the screens at your local theater are probably still devoted to “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” there’s a decent option for adults in one of the other houses. I’m convinced that “The Drama” has stayed in the top three at the domestic box office for the past two weekends by reeling in parents who don’t want to watch Mario with their kids, but don’t want to leave the theater. Or it could be good advertising, good word-of-mouth, good reviews, or other non-cynical reasons.

The film follows Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya), a nauseatingly-cute Boston-area couple a week away from their wedding. He’s a bit of a creep and she doesn’t talk much about her military-family upbringing, but they’re sure they can learn to live with each other’s foibles, after all, they’re in love. Hopefully it’s not much of a spoiler to say that their love will be tested over the course of the film as they deal with, well, drama. 

That drama first rears its head at a couples’ dinner with friends Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim). Rachel has the bright idea to have everyone at the table reveal the worst thing they’ve ever done. I’m not sure what the “best” case scenario is for a game like this, but it certainly ends in one of the worst. Emma makes the grave miscalculation of thinking that she has the forum to be honest, and reveals a secret that ruins everybody’s night. 

I joked about spoilers earlier, but when it comes to Emma’s secret, things are more difficult. Unlike traditional spoilers, this one comes early in the movie, when she and Charlie are still in their “honeymoon phase,” so to speak. Not revealing the secret makes it hard to look at the rest of the movie, but it’s in the movie’s best interest that the audience is taken off-guard so they don’t have time to form opinions about the controversial subject matter in advance. 

What I can say is that once Emma’s secret is revealed, Charlie can’t look at her the same way again. He tries to put it out of his mind, but… if you’re told not to think of a red umbrella, you think of a red umbrella, and Emma’s secret might have involved some red umbrellas if people were carrying umbrellas. It is worth noting that Emma’s secret does not involve tangible victims or require tangible consequences. All it can do is affect how people think of her, which is invariably some form of “worse.” 

Emma’s secret drives Charlie to madness in his relationship with his friends, his assistant (Hailey Gates), and especially Emma. Eventually his insecurities drive her crazy, and by the time of the wedding, they’re quite the dysfunctional couple. They’re talking about spending the rest of their lives together, but can the relationship even survive the reception? Let’s just say that there will probably be a lot fewer fantasies about getting married to Robert Pattinson after this movie. 

“The Drama” really clicked with me, even though its appeal lies in a dark, awkward, cringey comedy that I don’t normally like. Probably the highlight of the film for me was a scene from the trailers, where Charlie and Emma try to pose for wedding photos like everything is okay when it definitely isn’t. It’s not hard to tell from the trailers that “something” is off, but the added context made it funnier than it ever was when being cryptic (though being cryptic was the right tone for the trailers). I recommend this film, but try to wear a beat-up shirt that you won’t mind stretching out from tugging at your collar. 

Grade: B

“The Drama” is rated R for sexual content, some violent/bloody images, language throughout, and brief drug use. Its running time is 105 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

For example, you may be bigger and stronger than a child in your care and can physically force them to comply, but that is just old-fashioned bullying to get your way. You are the adult, and you need to find a smarter method to be teaching and disciplining them. How? Just keep in mind, those little guys have their own personalities and their individual point of view, which means that invariably there will be a wrong way to handle them. (Think hook and GONGGG!!)

A little fellow with a belligerent streak won't take kindly to bullying from you. But at the same time, that Aggressive Alan can sense a coward a quarter mile away. So hold your ground, but at the same time don't destroy his independent spirit while you do. Give him a choice from several choices that are all acceptable to you. Rather than just telling him what he has to do, which can set off a stubborn set to his little chin and a “you can’t make me” glint in his eye. Cooperation goes a long way with this kind of kid.

Or, how about being the boss of your own company, and using that lofty position to demand your employees do things your way... and only your way? Usually, those tactics gain you the disdainful title of micromanager. Invariably resulting in very little creativity and energy from your employees. And those results end up in a gradually building burning resentment of you - if not outright rebellion. And possible sabotage of your position.

Be smart. Learn how to command respect by respecting them. Take the easier way to getting what you are wanting.

Vintage Market Days® of Mississippi, owned and operated by past Rankin County residents Chris and Jana Fuss, returns to Pearl April 17 - 19, 2026, at the Clyde Muse Center with a three-day, vintage-inspired community market that supports small businesses and tourism.

While Vintage Market Days® is nationally recognized, this event is independently owned.  “This event goes beyond shopping and has a real impact on the local community” said Jana. “As my husband and I lived in Rankin County nearly 30 years, it’s incredibly important to us that this event supports other small businesses and brings visitors into the area.

The April event will feature small business vendors, many of them local to Central Mississippi, alongside select artisans traveling from across the country.  Beyond vendors, the event supports event staff, security, musicians, venue workers, and service providers, while also boosts nearby restaurants, hotels, and small businesses.

“Every ticket purchased and every booth filled helps support families, creatives, and workers right here in this community,” Jana added.  The Spring 2026 event features a fun, family-friendly ”Oh Honey” theme while maintaining Vintage Market Days® signature upscale, curated feel.

Vintage Market Days® events have been nationally recognized as one of Country Living’s “7 Flea Markets and Barn Sales Not To Miss,” but Jana says the heart of the show is local.

“This event is about celebrating creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of shopping small, while shining a spotlight on Pearl and Rankin County.”

The event runs:

• Friday, April 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

• Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tickets are available online and at the door, with free re-entry all weekend. Children under 12 attend free with a ticketed adult.

Media outlets are invited to attend, film, and interview Jana, vendors, and attendees onsite. Visual elements include colorful themed displays, vendor booths, live shopping moments, and behind-the-scenes looks at a locally produced large-scale event.

Last month in this space, we reflected upon what most consider to be Jesus’ most famous parable – The Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this story, it is easy for us to see the shameful actions of the younger son. Yet, in the culture, how the father responded to the son would have been considered as shameful in if not even more so.  What father agrees to such a shameful request?  And then how could the father be overjoyed to receive him back after all the son had done? Yet, God is represented by the father in this parable. He is overjoyed to reconcile with his son who was lost.  Truthfully, all of us rebel against and depart from our Heavenly Father’s perfect design and some of us would even be considered prodigals at some point in our lives. While God hates sin, He proved His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This is amazing news for every one of us! Yet, there is more than one son in this story. Again, even if you are familiar with this parable, I encourage you to read the rest of the story.  You can find it in Luke 15:25-32.

It is interesting that as the father decided to celebrate the return of the prodigal, the older brother wasn’t already there. He was working and likely overseeing laborers in the field.  But, clearly, no one sent for him to come home. While this isn’t explicitly said in the parable, this likely indicates that the relationship between the father and the older son was not great either. At the beginning of the story, the younger son requested his inheritance, implying he desired for his father to already be dead. Now, as the older son enters the story, while he is seemingly obedient, the parable doesn’t really depict a father-son relationship, but rather a master-servant relationship. The sin of the younger son was obvious and clear to anyone. The sin of the older son is less obvious. While the younger son committed openly sinful acts, the older son’s sin is his pride. While both brothers had their sin issues, their issues are generally perceived very differently.  For example, a person caught in sexual sin is seen differently than someone who struggles with pride and is pretentious. Still, we know from the Bible that pride is a big deal to God! For example, Peter writes: “…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Pride is a tremendous barrier to knowing God. The older son presented himself here as if he had never done anything wrong. “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command…” The older son viewed himself worthy because of his behavior while at the same time he viewed the younger son as unworthy because of his behavior.  John 3:16 says: “For God so love the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes”…not behaves. I remember hearing someone recently say: God’s love is not based on behavior, but pride in behavior can keep a person from accepting God’s love. The older son was just as lost as the younger son.  It was just a different kind of lostness.

In spite of the older son’s shameful reaction to the son’s return, the father clearly desired for him to join the celebration. The father pleaded with him to join the party. He wanted him to come in and celebrate as a son. But, the older son refused and Jesus ends the parable with the father saying: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” While we know this is a parable, the story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. What ever happened to the older son?  Did he ever come around?  

As so many of the parables do, the Parable of the Prodigal Son reveals what God is like. Our God is perfect and holy and just. But, He is loving and gracious toward sinners. He calls all to repentance and faith. Those that realize their need for Jesus respond.  Those that do not realize their need for Jesus, don’t respond. May we all understand our desperate need for Jesus and humbly come to Him through repentance and faith.  
 

2023 brought audiences “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” by far the most successful cinematic adaptation of a video game ever. It was a wonder how appealing the property was with vibrant, colorful animation and respect for both its source material and its audience. I couldn’t bring myself to recommend the film, as the story, action, characters, and humor never really “came together” for me, but it was definitely a step in the right direction. 

In that film, plumber brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Cox) stumbled upon the Mushroom Kingdom, led by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), who they saved from having to marry Bowser (Jack Black), king of the evil Koopas. They also aligned with headstrong ape Donkey Kong, but he’s not in play here. The brothers and Peach were hailed as heroes, while Bowser was ultimately shrunk down and imprisoned in a jar. 

This film starts out by introducing some new characters. Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) rules over a planet of childlike stars in another galaxy. She’s abducted by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), who needs to harness her powers to activate a doomsday weapon. But first, there’s the matter of rescuing his father from Peach’s castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. Meanwhile, a plumbing job leads to Mario and Luigi making the acquaintance of loveable dinosaur Yoshi (Donald Glover, apparently, though he mostly communicates in indiscernible squeaks), who is too marketable to not immediately become a lifelong companion of our heroes. 

Peach and loyal mushroom-man assistant Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) go off to rescue Rosalina, leaving Mario and Luigi in charge of the Mushroom Kingdom. They barely manage to keep the place running for a day, and really drop the ball when Bowser Jr. attacks. They leave to join the rescue mission (so much for their responsibilities running the kingdom) with the still-miniature Bowser in tow. 

The teams’ adventures take them to a casino galaxy, a honeybee galaxy, a dinosaur galaxy, and a hub that connects all the galaxies, where they enlist the help of stranded pilot Fox McCloud (Glen Powell). The climax takes place on a much-heralded planet that Bowser Jr. has built for his father to rule. Aside from the worlds where the characters actually live, there’s no reason for them to visit other galaxies, but this is a movie that insists on variety for the sake of variety. 

And that’s the biggest problem with the film: it’s very cluttered. Fans of the video games might get a kick out of the various settings and brief character appearances and other Easter eggs (appropriate, I suppose, for the recent Easter weekend), but I don’t see a point in including all these goodies if the film can’t do anything interesting with them. It can barely do anything interesting with its main characters, let alone the obscure ones. 

Sorry, but the movie is a mess from a storytelling and character development perspective. For example, Bowser laments that he wasn’t always there for Bowser Jr. as a father. But we don’t get a single scene of Bowser Jr. addressing how little his father had been there for him. Nor do we get any scenes where Mario and Luigi talk about missing their home and family in Brooklyn. Peach learns about major aspects of her identity, but I never got the sense that it was really “hitting” her. It all feels sloppy and rushed, as if the writers knew they needed to incorporate various story beats “somehow,” and “somehow” turned out to be the bare minimum. 

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” once again gets the visual aspect right, which admittedly is a big part of this franchise’s success. But the story is nonsensical, the characters are cardboard, and there’s a noticeable lack of chemistry between the voice actors, probably owing to them not recording together. It’s a minor step back for the property after “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” took such a major step forward. 

Grade: C

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is rated PG for action, mild violence, and rude humor. Its running time is 98 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.  

Safer Bathroom Design

Bathrooms present some of the highest risks in any home, especially for older adults. Installing grab bars near toilets and inside showers provides reliable support during movement. Walk-in tubs or curbless showers eliminate the need to step over high edges, reducing the chance of falls. Non-slip flooring adds another layer of safety, while handheld showerheads make bathing more manageable. Even small adjustments, such as raising toilet height or improving lighting, can significantly enhance usability and comfort.

Improved Home Accessibility

Widening doorways and hallways allows easier navigation, particularly for those using walkers or wheelchairs. Lever-style door handles replace traditional knobs and require less grip strength, making them more user-friendly. Lowering countertops and cabinets ensures that everyday items remain within reach, while stairlifts or home elevators provide safe access to multiple levels. These modifications help create a seamless living environment that adapts to changing mobility needs.

Better Lighting and Visibility

Adequate lighting plays a critical role in preventing accidents and supporting independence. Bright, evenly distributed lighting reduces shadows and improves visibility throughout the home. Motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms ensure that spaces remain illuminated when needed, especially at night. Contrasting colors on walls, floors, and furniture edges can also help individuals distinguish between surfaces, making navigation easier and safer.

Smart Technology Integration

Modern technology offers practical solutions that enhance safety and convenience. Voice-activated assistants allow users to control lights, adjust thermostats, and make calls without moving across the room. Smart doorbells and security systems provide peace of mind by enabling remote monitoring. Automated medication reminders and emergency alert systems ensure timely responses in critical situations. These tools support independence while offering reassurance to both residents and their families.

Mobility Beyond the Home

Maintaining independence goes beyond the home, and that is where the role of accessible vehicles in aging in place becomes especially important. Vehicles equipped with features like low step-in heights, swivel seats, and wheelchair ramps make transportation safer and more convenient. Reliable mobility ensures access to medical appointments, social activities, and daily errands, helping individuals stay connected and engaged with their communities.

Creating a Comfortable and Independent Future

Making thoughtful updates today can shape a safer and more comfortable tomorrow. Focusing on important aging in place modifications to make life easier empowers individuals to remain in control of their living environment. By improving accessibility, enhancing safety features, and embracing supportive technology, people can continue to enjoy independence while reducing everyday challenges.

A stronger entryway can make your home feel safer and more secure every day. It can also give you more confidence when you leave for work, head out for the weekend, or settle in for the night. These are the best ways to strengthen your doors and home entry points.

Upgrade the Door Itself

A hollow door won’t offer the same protection as a solid-core or metal door. If your front or back door feels light, thin, or worn down, replacing it can make a major difference.

The frame matters just as much. A strong door paired with a weak frame still leaves a vulnerable point, so look at both before making changes. When the door and frame work together, the whole entry point becomes much harder to force open.

Reinforce the Hardware

Many doors fall short because of basic hardware, not because of the door slab. Short screws, loose strike plates, and low-grade locks can make an entry point easier to compromise.

Longer screws and reinforced strike plates can help anchor the door hardware more securely into the framing. A quality deadbolt can also add another layer of strength. If you’re thinking about outfitting your home for defense, start with the hardware that supports the door every time it opens and closes.

Don’t Ignore Sliding and Side Doors

Front doors get most of the attention, but side doors, patio doors, and garage entry doors often need just as much work. These spots can become weak links when homeowners only focus on the main entrance.

Sliding doors benefit from better locks and simple reinforcement methods that limit forced movement. Garage-side entry doors should have the same level of lock quality and frame support as your front door. Every exterior entry point deserves the same attention if you want a more secure home.

Improve Visibility Around Entry Areas

A strong door works even better when the area around it stays visible. Poor lighting, overgrown shrubs, and dark corners can make entry points feel hidden and neglected.

Motion-sensor lights can help draw attention to movement near doors and walkways. Trimmed landscaping can open sightlines and make it easier to see who approaches the home. Small changes around the entrance can support the physical upgrades you make to the door itself.

Make Security Part of Daily Habits

Even the best door won’t help much if it stays unlocked or goes without regular maintenance. Good habits matter just as much as better materials.

Check locks, hinges, and frames from time to time so small problems don’t turn into bigger ones. Pay attention to loose screws, sticking locks, or gaps around the frame. When you treat home security as an ongoing part of home care, your entry points stay stronger over time.

Build a Safer Welcome

Stronger doors and entry points can improve both safety and peace of mind. You don’t need a complicated setup to make meaningful upgrades, but you do need to pay attention to the places where your home meets the outside world.

When you strengthen the door, reinforce the hardware, and improve visibility around key entrances, you create a home that feels more protected from the start. Those changes can go a long way toward making everyday life feel safer and more secure.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

The Pelahatchie Farmer’s Market is excited to have William Hawkins of Throwing Hands Pottery to be a returning vendor. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, William discovered his love for pottery during a class he took his freshman year of high school in Lake Oswego, Oregon. What started as a simple class turned into a lifelong passion. He loves the process of taking a simple lump of clay and transforming it into something beautiful, functional, and artistic. William lives in Ridgeland and has been married to his wife Myrtis for 14 years, and they have two daughters. When he’s not creating pottery, William also serves the community through his work in code enforcement in Madison County. Be sure to stop by William’s booth at the market to see his handcrafted pottery and support a talented local artisan.
 

You can focus your thoughts and attention on the unrelenting ‘cook your soul’ heat in the summer, or you can anticipate the six months of near perfect temperatures in winter time. You can easily resent the burning hot sand and jagged rocks, or instead, you can choose to raise your eyes to those beautiful, hazy, purple-shaded mountains in the distance that surround your city.

Driving down the highways, I can watch the native scrub brush and cactus passing by that admittedly are not my favorites, or I can deliberately focus my attention on the colorful native flowers and lacy-leaved trees and bushes that are everywhere in my neighborhood.

Concentrating on the oppressive heat that builds as the day progresses is easy to do. And definitely a mood destroyer. Much better to bounce yourself out of bed early in the morning and get outside while there is still a trace of desert-cool in the air. And then spend your busy day anticipating watching the lazy movement of huge gas-powered balloons floating in the beautiful evening sky while you sip on an icy drink. 

I can mourn the thousands of miles that now separate me from my siblings back home, or I can look forward to being a free-of-charge destination spot for vacationing relatives.

My point? Deliberately make choices. Choices that are good and healthy for your mental and physical well-being. Anyone with half a functioning brain can choose to concentrate on the unfortunate and hurtful things in their life. Everyone alive has pain or worry that they can choose to be the focal point of their life. 

But it’s a much smarter decision to deliberately set out each day to find the positives. Too often people make the choice to view their days thru gloomy glasses, concentrating on the distressing thoughts in their life.  And then wonder why they live year after year in depression and bitterness.

Decide to backburner the ugly and sad, and concentrate on choosing to look for the good stuff.  Sure, I know that we can’t just ignore the bad part of our lives and make it all go away. But we can choose what we make first and foremost. And making the sad part of your life first and foremost just isn’t smart.

Your deliberate choices do matter. You actually can find beauty and contentment in the middle of ugliness and difficulty. But only if you begin each day determined that you will find some tiny bit of good in your circumstances. Then focus on that.

Choices have the ability to make or break you. They can haze over the ugly, or make you blind to everything except what you resent or hate about your life. 

Your choice. Your days. Your life.

A child’s dental health starts long before braces or wisdom teeth enter the picture. Baby teeth guide chewing, speech, and the spacing of adult teeth. When parents treat those early years as important, they give children a stronger foundation for long-term dental health. Keep reading to understand what parents should know about oral health for children.

Start with Simple Routines at Home

Children benefit from structure, and dental care works best when it becomes part of the daily rhythm. Parents should encourage brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that matches the child’s age. As children grow, they also need help learning how to brush the gumline, reach back teeth, and clean for the full recommended time.

Flossing matters as soon as two teeth touch. That step removes food and plaque from places a toothbrush cannot reach. Water also plays a helpful role. Choosing water instead of sugary drinks protects enamel and reduces the sugar exposure that feeds decay.

Watch for Habits That Affect a Growing Smile

Parents should pay attention to habits that seem harmless but can change how teeth develop. Thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and nail biting are all oral habits that affect a child’s smile over time. These patterns do not always create serious problems, but they deserve attention when they continue past the toddler years.

Some families may not realize how these behaviors connect to dental changes until a dentist points them out. Breaking these habits can be difficult for many parents and children, but consistent instruction can help prevent these patterns from causing long-term damage to the child’s dental health.

Know When to Call the Dentist

One of the most important things parents should know about oral health for children is the importance of regular dentist visits. Parents should not wait for pain before scheduling care. Regular dental visits help catch cavities, alignment concerns, and hygiene issues before they grow into bigger problems. A child who complains about tooth sensitivity, bad breath, jaw discomfort, or bleeding gums needs prompt attention.

Dental visits also help children feel comfortable in the chair. When care starts early and stays consistent, children learn that the dentist is part of normal health care rather than a scary and harmful place.

Healthy Smiles Grow with Steady Attention

For local families, a child’s oral health does not require perfection. It requires consistency, awareness, and a willingness to step in before minor issues turn into lasting ones. In a town like Pelahatchie, where community and family life stay closely connected, parents can support children best by building healthy routines at home and keeping an eye on the habits that shape growing smiles.

Looking for an activity for children that builds confidence, discipline, and respect — or looking for a great workout for adults? Take a look at what’s happening at Fusion Martial Arts.

Located right in the heart of Pelahatchie, Fusion Martial Arts has been a part of the community since 2004 and is currently enrolling new students for both kids and adults classes. Classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays, making it a convenient option for busy families looking for a positive and structured activity.

Martial arts training offers more than just physical fitness. Students learn valuable life skills like focus, self-control, perseverance, and respect for others. For kids, it can improve behavior, listening skills, and confidence. For adults, it’s a great way to stay active, relieve stress, and learn practical self-defense in a supportive environment.

Fusion Martial Arts is proud to serve local families and be part of the Pelahatchie community. Supporting local businesses like this helps keep this small town strong and thriving. When residents shop local and participate in local programs, it’s investing right back into the community.

If looking for a new activity for a child or an adult, then consider giving Fusion Martial Arts a try. Stop by, learn more about the classes, and show some community support for a local businesses.

For class information, stop by Fusion Martial Arts at 503 2nd Street in Pelahatchie on class nights — Monday and Thursday — and see what they’re all about.

Elevate the Aisle Experience

Your aisle serves as the focal point of the ceremony, so treat it as a visual pathway that draws guests into the moment. Line it with arrangements that vary in height to create depth and movement. Soft petals, lanterns, or greenery runners can enhance the space without overwhelming it. You can also create elegant pew bows to add a refined, cohesive detail that ties the seating into your overall design. If your venue already offers strong architectural features, highlight them instead of competing with them. A well-designed aisle naturally guides attention toward the altar and enhances the emotional impact of your entrance.

Design a Stunning Altar Backdrop

The altar frames your vows, so it deserves thoughtful styling. Use elements like arches, draped fabrics, or floral installations to anchor the space. Keep proportions in mind so the backdrop feels balanced within the venue. Layer textures such as wood, chiffon, or greenery to add dimension while maintaining harmony with your overall theme. A carefully designed altar ensures your ceremony photos look timeless and cohesive.

Add Personal Touches With Purpose

Personal details bring warmth and authenticity to your ceremony. Incorporate meaningful items like heirlooms, custom signage, or symbolic décor that tells your story. Choose materials and colors that complement your theme so these accents enhance rather than distract. Thoughtful personalization makes your ceremony feel intimate and memorable for both you and your guests.

Balance Simplicity and Detail

Professional-looking décor often comes from knowing when to stop. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many elements. Instead, focus on a few standout features that make an impact. Let negative space work in your favor by allowing key pieces to shine. Lighting also plays a crucial role. Consider how natural or ambient light interacts with your décor to create a soft, flattering atmosphere.

Bring It All Together Seamlessly

Mastering how to decorate your wedding ceremony like a pro means blending vision, balance, and personal style into a cohesive design. When you focus on intentional details and thoughtful placement, you transform your ceremony into a space that feels both elegant and unforgettable.

The Site Matters Before the Steel Goes Up

A communication tower begins with location. Builders need enough land for the structure itself, but they also need room for equipment, service access, and long-term maintenance. A site that looks convenient on paper may create problems in the field if crews cannot reach it safely or if drainage turns a work area into mud after heavy rain.

In a small-town setting, visibility matters too. A tower should support service needs without creating avoidable conflict with nearby homes, businesses, or public spaces. Planners must weigh coverage goals against the daily character of the community.

Ground Conditions Shape the Entire Project

Soil and drainage affect more than the construction schedule. They influence the foundation, the type of equipment a crew can use, and the safety of the work zone. A weak or unstable base can create delays and drive up costs. A strong site evaluation helps teams make better decisions before materials arrive.

Weather Can Change the Timeline

Another thing to consider when constructing a communication tower is the weather. Mississippi weather adds another layer of planning. Weather affects communication tower construction in various ways. Wind, rain, lightning, and shifting temperatures can all affect crane work, foundation pours, and crew safety. That is one reason project managers study seasonal conditions before they finalize a build schedule.

Safety Depends on Timing and Preparation

Construction crews need clear safety procedures, but timing also plays a major role. A rushed schedule can create risk when the weather turns. Smart planning leaves room for delays and keeps quality standards in place. That approach protects workers and helps the finished structure perform as it should.

The Tower Must Fit the Community’s Needs

Not every project calls for the same type of tower. Height, design, and equipment capacity should match the service need. A tower built for emergency communication, for example, may carry different demands than one designed to strengthen mobile coverage in a growing area.

That practical match matters in rural communities. Communication towers should solve a real coverage problem, support dependable service, and hold up under local conditions. When planners focus on those goals, the result serves residents better and avoids unnecessary expense.

Long-Term Maintenance Starts During Planning

The best tower projects do not stop at installation. Owners and contractors should think ahead about inspections, access roads, equipment upgrades, and repair needs. A tower that is hard to reach or difficult to service can become a long-term burden.

For Pelahatchie and similar communities, the real value of a communication tower lies in steady performance over time. Good planning, careful siting, weather awareness, and a strong maintenance mindset all help make that possible.

The good news is you don’t need complicated systems to keep things running. A few smart habits and a little consistency can go a long way.

Stay on Top of Basic Maintenance

Many problems begin small, but catching them early can save you a lot of stress and money. Try to make it a habit to check your equipment regularly. Check fluid levels, filters, belts, and any parts that appear worn. Keeping dirt and buildup at bay before they cause trouble is such a simple step that makes a big difference.

You don’t have to overthink it; just staying consistent with these simple checks helps you spot potential issues early and avoid larger problems down the road.

Don’t Cut Corners on Fluids

Your equipment depends on good lubrication. When parts don’t get what they need, they wear out quicker and run hotter than they should. Using the right oils and fluids makes a real difference.

Many folks find that working with oil distributors helps them get exactly what their machines need without having to guess. It’s a simple step, but it protects your equipment and keeps everything running smoother day to day.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Most machines are designed to alert you before issues happen, so it's helpful to stay attentive. If you notice strange noises, unusual vibrations, or a dip in performance, don’t overlook it—stop and check.

Spotting problems early can save you a lot of time and prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. Being proactive keeps everything running smoothly and helps you avoid unnecessary downtime.

Keep What You Need Within Reach

Waiting on parts is one of the biggest causes of downtime. If something breaks and you don’t have what you need, everything comes to a halt.

Keep a small stock of commonly used items so you can handle quick fixes right away.

Here are a few essentials worth having on hand:

• Extra filters and belts
• Hydraulic hoses and fittings
• Basic hand tools
• Spare fluids and lubricants
• Backup batteries

Having these ready means you can fix problems quickly and get back to work without losing time.

Plan for Busy Seasons

Equipment is busiest during planting, harvest, and big jobs, and breakdowns hit hardest then. Take some time beforehand to check and service everything. Fix problems early rather than when you’re pressed for time.

This kind of planning plays a big role in reducing downtime in industrial and farm equipment and keeping your schedule on track.

Keep Things Running Without the Stress

When the day comes to an end, having dependable equipment really makes things easier for you. When your machines operate as they should, everything tends to go more smoothly, and there are fewer surprises.

You don’t need anything fancy. Stay consistent, stay alert, and take care of small issues before they become bigger problems. This simple approach helps ensure your equipment is always ready whenever you need it.

Include the Most Common Basics

The foundation of any feminine hygiene dispenser should include the products people reach for most often. Pads and tampons remain the most common essentials, and offering both can help accommodate different preferences and comfort levels. Not everyone uses the same type of product, so variety matters.

Within those categories, it helps to think about absorbency and size. A dispenser does not need to hold every option on the market, but it should include practical choices that work for a wide range of users. Regular absorbency products often cover the most immediate needs, especially in public or shared restrooms where convenience is the priority.

Reliable packaging also plays a key role. Individually wrapped products support cleanliness and make restocking easier. They also help users feel more confident about the quality of what they are receiving.

Think About the Setting

The best product mix often depends on where you’re installing the dispenser. A school restroom may need a straightforward selection of basic menstrual care products, while a workplace or hospitality setting may benefit from a broader range of options. Traffic levels, user demographics, and restocking schedules can all shape what makes the most sense.

The placement is where selecting a feminine hygiene dispenser becomes part of the larger conversation. The size, capacity, and layout of the unit can influence which products fit best and how often staff need to refill it. A well-chosen dispenser should support the product mix instead of limiting it too much.

Matching the products to the setting can help keep the dispenser useful instead of inconsistent. A thoughtful approach makes the experience better for both users and facility managers.

Prioritize Quality and Comfort

People notice product quality quickly. If a dispenser carries low-quality items, users may not trust it the next time they need it. Comfortable, dependable products can build confidence and encourage repeat use.

That’s why it helps to choose products from reputable brands or dependable suppliers. Soft materials, secure wrappers, and practical absorbency options can all contribute to a better experience. Even in a public restroom, quality still matters because these products address personal and immediate needs.

Comfort also connects to inclusion. Offering more than one type of menstrual product can support different preferences and help more users feel considered.

Make Restocking Simple

A feminine hygiene dispenser works best when it stays consistently stocked. Even the best product selection loses value if the unit sits empty too often. For that reason, it helps to choose products that staff can restock easily and monitor without difficulty.

Simple inventory planning can go a long way. If a facility uses the same dependable products across multiple restrooms, ordering and maintenance can become much more manageable. Consistency can also help users know what to expect each time they visit.

A reliable dispenser sends a strong message about care, cleanliness, and preparation. That message matters in any shared space.

Support Comfort With Thoughtful Choices

The right products in a feminine hygiene dispenser can do more than meet a basic need. They can help people feel supported in a moment that may otherwise feel inconvenient or stressful. Pads and tampons form the core of that offering, but quality, fit, and consistency all shape the overall experience.

In 2019’s “Ready or Not,” Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) won the deadly game of Hide and Seek that ended the lives of the entire La Domas family. It all tied into a Satanic ritual that frankly didn’t make much sense. Now she has to play another, also-deadly game of Hide and Seek against four other families that hold high standing in the Satanic cult. The twist this time is that she has her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) in tow. 

Following (and I mean “immediately” following) Grace’s witty one-liner from the end of the last movie, she passes out and is taken to the hospital, where Faith, never removed as her emergency contact, reluctantly comes to visit. They’re soon attacked by a player (Kevin Durand) who wants to win the game before it starts. The cheater pays a heavy price, courtesy of the game’s ghostly overseer. But the sisters are soon knocked unconscious and brought to the resort of the Danforth twins – Titus (Shawn Hatosy) and Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) – to start the game properly. 

An unnamed lawyer (Elijah Wood) spells out the rules. Representatives from four families will be competing. Whoever kills Grace first, wins. If Grace can survive until dawn, she wins. Faith is not officially part of the game, though she’ll both help Grace and be used as leverage against her in the course of the movie. If a player dies, another family member can take their place in the game. No families can kill members of the other families, or their entire family will be killed. The winner gets a special ring that lets them rule the world (yes, familiar territory for Wood).

Other players include both Danforth twins with their cousin Kip (Dan Bierne) as backup, Spanish actor Ignacio El Caido (Nestor Carbonell) with his children Francesca (Maia Jae) and Felipe (Juan Pavlo Romero), Chinese businesswoman Wan Chen Xing (Olivia Cheng) and her son Fu (Antony Hall), and Indian partyboy Viraj Rajan (Nadeem Umar-Khitab) with his younger brother Madhu (Varun Saranga) and Madhu’s wife Martina (Masa Lizdek). A movie like this wouldn’t let the players have seconds unless it had plans for them, so be prepared for a high body count, as if all the weapons in the film’s advertising weren’t enough of an indication. 

The game is a deadly free-for-all, with the film’s favorite method of killing once again involving people exploding like big bloody balloons. The Danforth twins, they of the homefield advantage and most star power, are particularly conniving competitors. Grace and Faith spend the movie trying to keep each other alive while practically wanting to kill each other over past decisions. Frankly, I could have done without this aspect of the story. I can appreciate the writers wanting to give these characters depth, but there’s not much interesting about their backstory, and the rekindling of their relationship throws off the movie’s pace. On the plus side, it’s nice to have newer scream queen Newton joining established scream queen Weaving. 

I had fun with the film’s action and banter. The deft touch of directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett was sorely missing from the recent “Scream 7” after they directed the fifth and sixth installments to surprising watchability. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for another project of theirs. “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” isn’t going to set the cinematic or even horror world on fire, but it has enough of what I like in my horror thrillers for me to give it a recommendation. 

Grade: B-

“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, pervasive language and brief drug use. Its running time is 108 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu. 

Build a Reliable Power Infrastructure

A stable foundation starts with the right equipment. Facilities that rely on basic utility input alone leave themselves exposed to voltage swings, surges, and interruptions. Layered protection creates a stronger setup.

One of the most important steps is to install an outdoor backup power supply that will bridge short-term interruptions. You should also invest in automatic voltage regulators to control fluctuations, and isolation line conditioners to clean incoming power. Each component supports the next, which creates a more controlled environment for sensitive equipment.

Plan for Redundancy

One power path leaves no room for error. A redundant design adds backup routes so operations continue even if one source fails. A simple example: a facility with a single feed loses power during a grid disturbance. A site with dual feeds or a backup UPS continues without disruption.

That difference protects both uptime and revenue. Redundancy does not need to feel excessive. It needs to match the level of risk directly tied to your operation.

Stay Ahead with Preventive Maintenance

Equipment does not fail without warning. Small issues build over time, and regular maintenance catches them early. A consistent schedule should include:

• Inspection of electrical connections
• Testing of backup systems
• Monitoring of voltage stability

Skipping these steps invites unexpected downtime. A well-maintained system performs closer to its intended limits and avoids sudden breakdowns.

Protect Against Environmental Factors

Power issues do not always start inside the building. Weather, temperature shifts, and external grid stress can all affect supply quality. Facilities that operate in harsh or remote environments face extra exposure. Outdoor-rated UPS systems and ruggedized components help maintain stability in those conditions.

Even in controlled settings, heat and dust can degrade performance. Clean, climate-managed spaces support longer equipment life and fewer disruptions.

Train Your Team for Fast Response

Even the best system needs human support. Staff should know how to respond when power issues arise. Clear procedures reduce confusion and speed up recovery. That includes knowing how to switch to backup systems, shut down equipment safely, and communicate across teams. A prepared team limits damage and restores normal operation faster.

Now, you should have a better idea of how to prevent power outages in the workplace. Take a closer look at your current setup and identify weak points. Small upgrades today can prevent major outages down the line—and keep your workplace running without interruption.

In 2019’s “Ready or Not,” Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) won the deadly game of Hide and Seek that ended the lives of the entire La Domas family. It all tied into a Satanic ritual that frankly didn’t make much sense. Now she has to play another, also-deadly game of Hide and Seek against four other families that hold high standing in the Satanic cult. The twist this time is that she has her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) in tow. 

Following (and I mean “immediately” following) Grace’s witty one-liner from the end of the last movie, she passes out and is taken to the hospital, where Faith, never removed as her emergency contact, reluctantly comes to visit. They’re soon attacked by a player (Kevin Durand) who wants to win the game before it starts. The cheater pays a heavy price, courtesy of the game’s ghostly overseer. But the sisters are soon knocked unconscious and brought to the resort of the Danforth twins – Titus (Shawn Hatosy) and Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) – to start the game properly. 

An unnamed lawyer (Elijah Wood) spells out the rules. Representatives from four families will be competing. Whoever kills Grace first, wins. If Grace can survive until dawn, she wins. Faith is not officially part of the game, though she’ll both help Grace and be used as leverage against her in the course of the movie. If a player dies, another family member can take their place in the game. No families can kill members of the other families, or their entire family will be killed. The winner gets a special ring that lets them rule the world (yes, familiar territory for Wood).

Other players include both Danforth twins with their cousin Kip (Dan Bierne) as backup, Spanish actor Ignacio El Caido (Nestor Carbonell) with his children Francesca (Maia Jae) and Felipe (Juan Pavlo Romero), Chinese businesswoman Wan Chen Xing (Olivia Cheng) and her son Fu (Antony Hall), and Indian partyboy Viraj Rajan (Nadeem Umar-Khitab) with his younger brother Madhu (Varun Saranga) and Madhu’s wife Martina (Masa Lizdek). A movie like this wouldn’t let the players have seconds unless it had plans for them, so be prepared for a high body count, as if all the weapons in the film’s advertising weren’t enough of an indication. 

The game is a deadly free-for-all, with the film’s favorite method of killing once again involving people exploding like big bloody balloons. The Danforth twins, they of the homefield advantage and most star power, are particularly conniving competitors. Grace and Faith spend the movie trying to keep each other alive while practically wanting to kill each other over past decisions. Frankly, I could have done without this aspect of the story. I can appreciate the writers wanting to give these characters depth, but there’s not much interesting about their backstory, and the rekindling of their relationship throws off the movie’s pace. On the plus side, it’s nice to have newer scream queen Newton joining established scream queen Weaving. 

I had fun with the film’s action and banter. The deft touch of directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett was sorely missing from the recent “Scream 7” after they directed the fifth and sixth installments to surprising watchability. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for another project of theirs. “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” isn’t going to set the cinematic or even horror world on fire, but it has enough of what I like in my horror thrillers for me to give it a recommendation. 

Grade: B-

“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, pervasive language and brief drug use. Its running time is 108 minutes. 

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.