Author: journo

A news article about the popularity of bottle trees featuring a multicolored bottle tree.

Why bottle trees are making a colorful comeback in Southern gardens

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Rick Griffin, a Jackson landscape architect, grew up seeing bottle trees on trips between Ocean Springs and Vicksburg. Fascinated by their charm, he built a 10-foot bottle tree in his own yard, calling it a symbol of fun and individuality. “It’s about being a nonconformist,” he says.

Once dismissed as kitschy folk art, bottle trees are now booming in popularity across the South, especially in neighborhoods like Fondren, where urban horticulture expert Felder Rushing has documented a sharp rise in their numbers. Rushing believes this trend reflects a cultural shift toward more relaxed, expressive outdoor spaces. “For a long time, lawns had to be perfect. Now, people feel freer to add personality and history to their yards,” he explains.

A story about unidentified and unexplained sightings in Mississippi when the X Files movie came out.

Mississippi UFO sightings reveal strange lights, triangles, and more — what’s really out there?

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When we asked readers about their UFO experiences, many shared anonymous stories, fearing ridicule despite their credibility.

One radio reporter recalled seeing a mysterious light in Gautier that moved rapidly, then hovered motionless before darting away. Another witness, stationed on a German Air Force base in 1973, described a silent, brightly lit triangular craft crossing the sky in minutes — clearly not man-made.

A statue of Charles Darwin.

Why Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ still sparks debate 150 years later — and why it’s worth reading today

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With the 150th anniversary of “The Origin of Species” and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth falling just a year apart, New York Times science writer Olivia Judson recently predicted a surge of “Darwinmania.”

And for good reason — few scientists have had as lasting and polarizing an impact as Darwin, whose theory of natural selection reshaped our understanding of life on Earth.

Earrings from The Small Book Company

These tiny book earrings from Etsy are a must-have for every book lover

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If you’re a bookworm with a love for unique accessories, here’s a literary treasure you’ll want to add to your collection: miniature book earrings handcrafted by The Small Book Company on Etsy.

I stumbled across this gem while browsing Etsy — one of my favorite places to discover creative and handcrafted finds. Jewelry artist Nicolette Tallmadge has turned her passion for literature into wearable art by designing teeny-tiny earrings shaped like classic books. I couldn’t resist ordering a pair, and when they arrived, I was completely charmed.

Analyzing Billboard's Hot 100 songs.

Translating the nation’s top singles

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It’s time, once again, to translate the top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Again, I don’t really intend to make a moral judgment about the lyrics, even though some I’ve analyzed undoubtedly warrant parental advisory stickers. My interest stems more from a desire to productively channel sarcasm and literary criticism.

The black dog

The Black Dog and the Breeze: A simple moment that reminded me to embrace the present

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Today, as I drove home from the Japanese restaurant over the Reservoir, I noticed a black lab in the back of a black Chevrolet Silverado wearing an orange collar. As his owner drove, he ran back and forth on each side of the truck, stepping up and sticking his head out on each side to feel the cool breeze.

His movement was repetitive. Over and over again, he moved to the left, then to the right. I guess he thought the wind felt better hitting his face the first time, so instead of standing still, he ran from side to side, creating a pause, before sticking his neck out into the air again.

The mysterious wizard.

The mysterious wizard

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As I was driving home from work the other day, I saw a wizard on the side of the road.

Well, maybe he wasn’t a wizard. I’m not exactly sure. Perhaps he was Father Time. I’m just not positive. But he was wearing a long purple robe, a pointy matching hat and a long white beard.

A bobblehead.

Custom Bobbleheads: The quirky personalized gift that’s winning hearts and wedding cakes

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In today’s world of hyper-personalization — where everything from coffee cups to sneakers can be tailored to your taste — it’s no surprise that even bobbleheads have joined the customization craze. Enter HeadBobble, a California-based company turning this pop culture novelty into a highly personalized keepsake.

You may know bobbleheads as those comically exaggerated figurines with oversized heads that nod and wobble with a gentle tap. Once reserved for athletes, politicians, and fictional TV characters like Dwight Schrute from “The Office,” these wobbly collectibles are now being designed to look just like you — or your favorite person.

Harper's Bazaar Great Style: The Best Ways to Update Your Look.

Update Your Wardrobe with Ease: ‘Harper’s Bazaar Great Style’ is the ultimate fashion guide for every woman

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If you or someone you know has a passion for fashion, there’s a new book worth adding to your reading — and shopping — list. “Harper’s Bazaar Great Style: The Best Ways to Update Your Look” is a stylish, photo-packed guide designed to help women refine, refresh, and reorganize their wardrobes with confidence.

This beautifully curated book does more than just showcase stunning outfits. It offers practical advice on identifying wardrobe essentials, building versatile looks, and understanding which pieces are worth the investment. Whether you’re revamping your entire closet or just want a few fresh ideas, it’s a useful tool for navigating the world of fashion without feeling overwhelmed.

A poster for the movie "Sea Monsters."

Sea Monsters and Childhood Mysteries: National Geographic’s new film dives into prehistoric legends

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“National Geographic’s” new film “Sea Monsters” is making waves — just not in Mississippi. Funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film dives deep into the prehistoric oceans that once covered North America, exploring ancient creatures believed to have inspired legends like the Loch Ness Monster.

Roughly 80 million years ago, areas like Kansas were submerged beneath a vast inland sea, where giant marine reptiles roamed. The movie blends scientific discovery with legend, shedding light on the real-life creatures behind age-old myths. For anyone who grew up fascinated by dinosaurs or sea serpents, this one might stir up some serious nostalgia.

A picture of the colorful universe of stars.

Why Science Fans Should Watch NOVA’s ‘The Elegant Universe:’ A fascinating dive Into Einstein, physics, and the power of discovery

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Science lovers and curious minds alike will find “The Elegant Universe,” part of the acclaimed NOVA series, to be a captivating and enlightening experience. The documentary does an incredible job of breaking down some of the most complex theories in physics, making them not only understandable but genuinely fascinating.

One of the highlights is how the series traces the development of Einstein’s iconic equation, E = MC². Rather than presenting him as a lone genius, the film honors the many scientists — both men and women — who laid the groundwork for his breakthroughs. It’s refreshing to see the contributions of women in science acknowledged and celebrated.

A story about ghost hunters in Mississippi featuring one of them.

Do You Believe in Ghosts? Mississippi’s paranormal groups say they’re real

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Do you believe in ghosts? You’re not alone. Mississippi is home to at least 10 paranormal research groups made up of people who definitely do — and they’re part of a much larger trend.

Across the U.S. and U.K., more than 300 groups are actively investigating unexplained phenomena, often inspired by popular television shows like “Ghost Hunters,” “Medium,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “Haunting Evidence.”

A picture of a newspaper page featuring a photo of a bride driving underwater in her wedding gown for a photo shoot about "trashing the dress."

Why brides are trashing their wedding dresses for stunning photos

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Have you heard of the new wedding trend called “trashing the dress”? It’s a fine art photography movement gaining popularity across the country — and it’s not as destructive as it sounds.

Brides are taking their once-worn gowns and diving into oceans, rolling in mud, or swimming through lakes, all in the name of creating unforgettable photos. The idea? The dress was only going to be worn once, so why not turn it into a work of art?

A turtle swims in the blue ocean.

Why ‘Deep Sea IMAX’ is a must-watch for ocean lovers and marine life fans

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“Deep Sea IMAX” is a breathtaking underwater documentary so vividly filmed and full of personality that it feels like a real-life prequel to “Finding Nemo.” With its dazzling visuals and captivating marine cast, the film brings the ocean’s wonders to life in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.

Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, the documentary is a perfect pick for anyone fascinated by marine biology or eager to discover strange and beautiful sea creatures. From vividly colored fish to otherworldly invertebrates, the film showcases the deep sea as a vibrant, living world few ever get to see.

The film poster for "Idiocracy."

‘Idiocracy’ Review: A darkly funny look at a future overrun by stupidity

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In “Idiocracy,” an offbeat sci-fi satire from “Beavis and Butt-Head” creator Mike Judge, two ordinary people (played by Maya Rudolph and Luke Wilson) are chosen for a government time travel experiment. But things go hilariously wrong, and they wake up in the year 2505 — where intelligence is practically extinct.

In this dystopian future, society has been overrun by people who made their way to the gene pool without much thought — think Jerry Springer guests en masse. Smart individuals, who often delayed or debated having children, have been far outnumbered. As a result, the “average” time travelers are now the smartest humans alive.

The film poster or "Marie Antoinette."

‘Marie Antoinette’ Review: Sofia Coppola’s stylish biopic lacks substance and struggle

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Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” dazzles visually but falls flat emotionally, revealing the limitations of a film that leans too heavily on aesthetics without delivering the depth of its subject. The cinematography is breathtaking, the costumes extravagant, and the French landscapes mesmerizing — but the film feels more like a designer photo shoot than a compelling historical drama.

Starring Kirsten Dunst as the ill-fated young queen, the film attempts to modernize Marie’s teenage angst by layering a rebellious rock soundtrack over 18th-century decadence. The concept — bold and trendy on paper — ultimately feels gimmicky. Rather than enhancing the storytelling, it distances the audience and feels more like a marketing strategy aimed at Gen Z than an artistic choice.

A hand floats in the ocean, representing the idea of horror.

Stephen King’s ‘Nightmares & Dreamscapes’ vs. ‘Masters of Horror’: Which series delivers the bigger scares?

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If you’re a fan of horror anthologies, you may have come across Stephen King’s “Nightmares and Dreamscapes,” the 2006 TNT miniseries based on King’s short stories. While the show delivers a few compelling moments, it doesn’t quite reach the chilling heights of Showtime’s edgier “Masters of Horror” series.

One of the standout episodes from “Nightmares and Dreamscapes” is “The End of the Whole Mess,” a haunting tale about a genius who creates a serum to end human aggression — only to trigger a global catastrophe. Another worth-watching installment is “Autopsy Room Four,” featuring Richard Thomas (John-Boy from “The Waltons”) in a role that’s a far cry from his wholesome TV past.

An image of a creepy doll.

Creepy dolls, Stephen King, and the artist who brings nightmares to life

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Have you ever locked eyes with a porcelain doll on a shelf and instantly felt a chill crawl up your spine? If so, you’re not alone — and horror icon Stephen King would probably agree with you. Dolls have long been the stuff of nightmares in King’s world, from murderous clowns to animated Army men with a vendetta.

King’s fear of dolls is well-documented across his work. In “Poltergeist,” which he helped write for the screen, a young boy’s fear of a clown doll turns disturbingly real when the toy attacks. In “The X-Files,” King penned an episode centered around a haunted doll, and one of the darkest vignettes in his “Nightmares and Dreamscapes” series features actor William Hurt being hunted by vindictive toys — tiny green Army men that eventually bring about his demise.

Analyzing Billboard's Hot 100 songs.

Translating Billboard’s top five songs

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As I did before, I’ve taken a closer look at the lyrics of today’s top five singles. My goal isn’t just entertainment—it’s to see whether any of these chart-toppers truly live up to the label of “artist,” a word that’s often used far too loosely. Despite the flood of four-letter words and the lack of lyrical depth, I’m curious to see if any genuine poetry or originality shines through.

Here are the top five songs Americans are currently listening to:

The unicycle-riding banana

Unicycling banana spotted in Mississippi suburb: A delightfully unexpected sight

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I generally write about popular culture, so this is a little off-topic. But as I was driving home from the bookstore today, I saw something yellow coming down the sidewalk near my apartment complex.

As I got closer, I realized that among the walkers and bikers out enjoying a beautiful, sunny Mississippi day was — believe it or not — a banana on a unicycle. Yes, a banana. On a unicycle.

An eyeball with a reflection of horror.

Film Review: ‘Don’t Look Now’ should be heeded by viewers

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If I had watched this “psychic thriller” in 1973, (which would have been difficult since I was born in 1974) I probably would have found it eerie and disturbing, but 30 years later, it just doesn’t have much impact.

It’s about a couple, John and Laura Baxter, whose young daughter drowns in a pond at their home. They later go to Venice, where Laura (Julie Christie) meets a psychic who tells her she has seen her daughter and that she is happy. John (Donald Sutherland) also begins to see someone resembling the daughter running around the city, so he follows her, which proves to be a very bad decision.

You can plant a greeting card?

Plantable Greeting Cards: Send a message that blooms with wildflowers

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Did you know you can actually plant a greeting card and grow flowers from it? That’s right — your next heartfelt note could double as a wildflower garden, thanks to the clever, eco-conscious creations from Round Robin Press. These beautiful cards aren’t just for show; they’re embedded with real wildflower seeds that can bloom once planted in soil.

Created by artist Shannon Lowry, the cards are printed on recycled paper and feature calming, nature-inspired illustrations — primarily of birds. For Lowry, birds symbolize peace, joy, and the quiet strength of nature.