Which vitamin B supplement is best?

If you’re wondering how your body cells are able to function properly, think about B vitamins. There are eight B-group vitamins, and they help the body create new cells and maintain healthy cells and tissues.

If you’re looking for the vitamin B supplement that is right for you, MegaFood Balanced B-Complex Multivitamin is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a vitamin B supplement

Quality

When looking for the right vitamin B supplement, it isn’t enough for manufacturers to say their products are of high quality. Manufacturers must also conduct third-party testing by independent organizations to validate their claims.

Some certification programs are focused on specific areas. For instance, a Gluten-Free stamp on a dietary product indicates that the product doesn’t contain any ingredients that can trigger gluten allergies. On the other hand, there are programs that are broadly focused, like the GMP seal, which organizations like NSF and BSCG offer to indicate that the manufacturing facility complies with standard manufacturing practices.

Bioavailability

It is important to know if your body can efficiently absorb the nutrients in the vitamin B supplement you are taking. One indicator of this function is bioavailability.

One way to better understand the bioavailability of your vitamin B supplement is to check if it has been formulated in its most absorbable form. For instance, folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 but is formulated as folic acid in supplements. Folic acid is usually better absorbed than the natural form. If you want to pump up your vitamin B9 levels, taking a supplement containing folic acid may get it done faster.

Condition

While B vitamins are found in many foods, and you can often get most of what you need from healthy eating, some conditions require you to take extra B vitamins. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, B vitamins like B12 and folate are important for your baby’s growth, so it is important to take supplements containing these vitamins. Due to poor absorption issues, older adults may also find it difficult to get enough vitamin B12 from their diet alone. Other conditions that may require B vitamin supplementation include cancer, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and anorexia.

What to look for in a quality vitamin B supplement

Dosage

Each B vitamin has a recommended daily value, which often depends on factors like age, pregnancy, diet, medical condition and genetics. Taking a high dose of certain B vitamins can negatively affect your health. For instance, a high dose of vitamin B12 can affect your sleep cycle by causing insomnia, while taking high doses of a combination of vitamin B6 and B12 can increase levels of energizing neurotransmitters, leading to restlessness and irritability. Discuss the best dosage levels for you with your health care professional.

Plant-based diet

Plant-based foods don’t usually contain vitamin B12, which is a serious concern for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. One of the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency is heart disease because low levels of this vitamin can increase homocysteine levels in your blood. If you follow a plant-based diet, choose a vitamin B supplement that contains adequate amounts of vitamin B12 to meet your dietary needs.

Allergies

Though not always common, some people can react to vitamin B supplements. For instance, if you are allergic to cobalt, your body may react if you take supplements that contain vitamin B12. In some rare cases, folic acid can cause an allergic reaction that can cause side effects, such as a skin rash, itching and feeling generally unwell.

How much you can expect to spend on vitamin B supplement

You can expect to pay between $5 and $30 per bottle of a quality vitamin B supplement. As with most supplements, you should check the recommended serving size to determine whether the cost is a value.

Vitamin B supplement FAQ

Why do vitamin B supplements smell funny?

A. It is actually normal for your vitamin B supplement to have an unpleasant odor. This smell typically comes from thiamine. However, if you can’t tolerate the scent, you can choose a vitamin B supplement that comes as a pleasant-tasting gummy.

Can anyone take a vitamin B supplement every day?

A. Some people can get the B vitamins they need from their diet, but people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, older adults and people with conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s disease or anorexia may require vitamin B supplementation. If you are also on a diet that increases your risk of vitamin B deficiency, such as a vegan diet, you may also need to take a vitamin B supplement for as long as you’re on the diet.

What’s the best vitamin B supplement to buy?

Top vitamin B supplement

MegaFood Balanced B-Complex Multivitamin

What you need to know: This vegan-friendly B-complex multivitamin provides a balanced ratio of B vitamins to give your body the support and energy you need.

What you’ll love: It is free of gluten, dairy, and soy, so you don’t have to worry if you are allergic to these ingredients. The serving size is 1 tablet daily, which makes it easy to take. The supplement can also be taken anytime during the day, even on an empty stomach.

What you should consider: If you have anxiety issues, it can have a stimulating effect on your nervous system, which can aggravate your condition.

Top vitamin B supplement for the money

Nature’s Bounty Super B-complex with Folic Acid Plus Vitamin C

What you need to know: This B-complex supplement combines vitamin C and folic acid with B vitamins to combat stress while supporting the heart and nervous system.

What you’ll love: In addition to B vitamins that help boost energy levels and combat stress, the folic acid and vitamin C also make it a great option for pregnant women.

What you should consider: Some users complained of this product’s strong vitamin B smell.

Worth checking out

Doctor’s Best Fully Active B Complex

What you need to know: This complete vitamin B supplement contains all eight B vitamins to support energy production and cell metabolism.

What you’ll love: It contains only the best-utilized forms of the B vitamins, like quatrefolic — a highly bioavailable form of folate due to its stability and water solubility.

What you should consider: It contains a high dose of vitamin B3, also called niacin, which may cause a niacin flush. This is marked by burning, itching and a flush of red on the skin.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which tarp is best?

A tarp is an easy-to-use cover for everything from the winter log pile to a fully loaded big rig. It’s no surprise you’ll find them everywhere.

So all you need to do is check the size you want and go buy one, right? Well, maybe. There is actually considerable variety. Materials and construction can have a big impact on their cost and longevity.

Our favorite, the Xpose Safety’s Super Heavy-Duty Tarp, provides a durable, all-weather solution for all kinds of tasks.

What to know before you buy a tarp

Materials

Although polyethylene (often just called poly) and canvas are the most common materials, tarps made from vinyl and PVC are also common.

Polyethylene is cheap and almost 100% waterproof and thus has become the most popular choice. However, the sun’s UV rays will rapidly destroy cheap poly tarps. They can disintegrate — quite literally fall to pieces — in just weeks. For this reason, any good poly tarp will have an anti-UV coating (make sure it’s on both sides).

Canvas (woven from natural hemp or cotton) is much tougher than polyethylene, so it’s a better choice where abrasion resistance is required. It’s also flame-retardant (though not fireproof). However, it’s seldom fully waterproof and can be prone to rot in damp environments. The flip side is that because it will absorb liquids to some degree, it doesn’t become slippery like plastics, so in some situations, it’s safer.

Vinyl is somewhat more specialized, being tougher than polyethylene but more expensive. It’s popular for hauling. PVC combines flexibility with durability and is often found in factory curtaining or construction for temporary floor coverings.

What to look for in a quality tarp

Aside from material, thickness is going to have an impact on how hard-wearing and flexible the tarp is. There are two measurement systems in general use: milliliters and ounces per square yard. Manufacturers may give either or both. Six milliliters/3 ounces would be considered light duty, while up to 24 milliliters/12 ounces would be the most heavy duty. If the tarp is woven (many poly tarps are woven, as well as canvas), then you’ll also get a weave count. Higher numbers mean greater strength, with 8 by 8 being a lightweight tarp, up to 24 by 24 on heavy-duty models.

Grommets can be plastic, aluminum or brass. All are resistant to rust, but metal ones will last longer. Spacing can be anywhere from 36 to 18 inches apart. Typically, they’ll be closer on heavy-duty tarps because you usually want more tie-down points.

Double or triple rows of stitching reinforce the edges of the tarp. Nylon rope is sewn into the edge on the highest-quality versions to add additional strength.

Regarding sizing, some manufacturers give the size as that of the cut material before the edge is folded over and stitched. This generally results in the actual tarp dimensions being a half inch or more smaller than stated in the description. If you need precise sizing, it’s something to look out for.

How much you can expect to spend on a tarp

You can probably find cheap tarps for just a few bucks, but they tear easily and have no UV protection. A good-quality 8-by-10-foot tarp will cost around $15; at the other end of the scale, a tough, heavy-duty 30-by-40-foot tarp will cost you several hundred. That’s still very reasonable, considering the size and level of protection provided.

Tarps FAQ

Are milliliters for tarp thickness the same as millimeters?

A. Sound similar, don’t they? But no, they’re not the same. A mil is 1/1000th of an inch, and a millimeter is 1/100th of a meter. If you want a conversion, a millimeter is 0.039 inch — or 39 milliliters.

How do you know if a tarp is properly waterproof?

A. It’s not easy. There’s no common standard, so you have to take the maker’s word for it. It’s difficult to make canvas completely waterproof, so poly is better. Be careful with “water-resistant,” which probably just means showerproof.

What’s the best tarp to buy?

Top tarp

Xpose Safety’s Super Heavy-Duty Tarp

What you need to know: This hard-wearing tarp is available in a wide range of sizes, providing something for every task.

What you’ll love: It’s 16 milliliters thick and has a 16 by 16 weave count. It’s strong, waterproof and UV-resistant. Grommets are 18 inches apart, and seams are reinforced for greater security.

What you should consider: Seams have been known to fray occasionally.

Top tarp for the money

Harpster Tarps’ High-Visibility Tarp

What you need to know: This light-duty tarp is bright red if you need what you’re covering to stand out.

What you’ll love: This cheap and cheerful cover is suitable for indoors and outdoors. The material is 3.3 ounces (approximately 7 milliliters thick). It is waterproof, rot-resistant and has an anti-UV coating on both sides.

What you should consider: It’s just a thin, lightweight cover.

Worth checking out

F & J Outdoors’ Canvas Truck Tarp

What you need to know: This well-made, traditional, heavy-duty canvas is for vehicle, boat and yard use.

What you’ll love: The thick, 10-ounce fabric equivalent to 23 milliliters has triple-stitched hems. Grommet spacing allows for frequent tie-down points. Accurately sized, it is UV- and water-resistant.

What you should consider: It isn’t fully waterproof, and the color can fade quickly.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Text easily while still keeping your hands warm using these gloves

Before smartphones, it didn’t matter what type of gloves you wore, but thanks to touch screens, a good pair of texting gloves has become indispensable during the fall and winter months. What are texting gloves exactly? They’re exactly like any other pair of gloves except for one key difference: They have added pieces on the fingertips that will register the touch of a finger without requiring the removal of the glove. Provided you find the right pair, they are easy to use and convenient as temperatures drop.

How do texting gloves work?

The fingertips found on texting gloves feature conductive yarn or threads with materials like copper so that smartphone and tablet screens will respond to the electrical current of that touch the same as it would to the touch of your actual finger. Some smartphone gloves have these conductors on just the pointer finger, while others have them on the pointer and thumb. What you’ll want depends on how you normally use your phone.

Can you wash texting gloves?

It is not recommended that you put texting gloves in the washing machine, but they can be washed by hand in cool water. You can then lay them out flat to dry.

Are there texting gloves for left-handed users?

One thing to bear in mind is that a lot of texting gloves only have conductive tips on the right-hand glove, presumably so people can text with their “dominant” hand. Fortunately, more and more companies are making ambidextrous texting gloves so that both gloves in the pair feature conductors and are, therefore, compatible with a wider array of users.

Best unisex texting gloves you can buy online now

Achiou Winter Knit Touchscreen Gloves

These knit acrylic gloves have silicone nonslip palms and three-finger touchscreen capabilities through the conductive yarn on the right hand. They’re very warm, come in three sizes and are available in 13 cozy colors.

Trendoux Touchscreen Winter Gloves for Men and Women

These acrylic knit gloves have three conductive fingertips on both the left and right hand, plus silicone antislip palms to prevent fumbling. They are available in three sizes and nine colors.

Koxly Winter Touchscreen Gloves

Available in five sizes and three colors, these cozy gloves are made from compression fabrics and have dual-layer, three-finger touchscreen capabilities. They’re not waterproof, but they’re very warm and have silicone antislip palms.

Best women’s texting gloves you can buy online now

Achiou Women’s Winter Elastic Stretch Touchscreen Gloves

These polyester/cotton/spandex gloves have forefinger and thumb touchscreen capabilities, incorporating great elasticity for a comfortable fit. They come in two sizes and 10 color schemes.

Elma Women’s Classic Touchscreen Texting Winter Gloves

These stylish touchscreen gloves are made from soft hair sheep leather with a cashmere lining and a fashion button on each wrist. They come in five numbered sizes (including half sizes) and nine colors.

TrailHeads Women’s Touchscreen Running Gloves

These smooth, stretchy polyester gloves feature touchscreen-capable tips on both the left and right hand and nonslip palms. They are designed for use during aerobic activities and come in three sizes and colors/patterns.

Best men’s texting gloves you can buy online now

Eonpow Men’s Touchscreen Texting Leather Gloves

These black faux leather gloves have a buckle closure at the wrist and a soft cashmere-like lining on the inside. They are warm, comfortable and compatible with touchscreens.

SCENTBLOCKER Shield Series S3 Touch Text Gloves

These lightweight wool gloves have an earthy tree edge pattern on the exterior and touchscreen forefinger and thumb tips, as well as a silicone antislip palm grip. They prevent odor, minimize moisture and come in two colors.

Adidas Men’s Shield 3.0 Running Gloves

Available in two sizes, these texting gloves are made from polyester, spandex, and faux leather for a comfortable fit. The forefinger and thumb tips are touchscreen-compatible with both the left and right hands. The gloves are warm and feature a flood print palm grip on both hands for a firm, reliable grip.

Foco Men’s NFL Palm Logo Texting Touch Gloves

These polyester gloves, which have touchscreen-compatible forefinger and thumb tips, come in over a dozen NFL team colors. Each glove features the team’s logo on the back of the palm and the team’s name on the other side.

Carhartt Men’s C-Touch Work Glove

These durable cotton/polyester work gloves are wind-resistant, have a comfortable microfiber lining, and are touchscreen-compatible. They are available in black or gray and in five sizes.

Best kid’s texting gloves you can buy online now

Pulais Kids Touchscreen Gloves

This set comes with two pairs of acrylic knit gloves — one in gray and one in blue. Both have three-finger touchscreen capabilities on the left and right hand. Gloves come in small or medium.

Yukini Ya Kid’s Touchscreen Winter Gloves

Available in five sizes, these black and gray gloves have a plush lining, reflective accents, and antislip palms with three-finger touchscreen conductive fabric on the right-hand tips. Though sold as water-resistant, users do not recommend them for wet environments.

Head Kids’ Touchscreen Gloves

Available in black or violet, these touchscreen gloves are great for chilly days. They have a comfortable fit and good-quality materials. The gloves come in two sizes.

The North Face Youth Denali ETIP Gloves

These fleece gloves have five finger-touchscreen capabilities as well as a silicone antislip print on the palms.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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For children’s author Paula LaRue, writing is all about reading.

The mission of the retired educator and Milford resident is to “get kids reading and keep them reading.”

Fans enjoying LaRue’s “Scary Shivers” series of adventure mysteries may consider it a mission accomplished. Three books have been published and a fourth is scheduled for release in 2025.

One installment — “The Weeping House” — won first place for Juvenile Mystery and Juvenile Fantasy & Magic at the 2024 national BookFest Awards.

The latest book — “The Legend of the Serpent Witch” — was released just ahead of Halloween.

Written for middle school children, LaRue’s books follow the adventures of Ollie and two friends who encounter an array of creatures, including ghosts, witches, snakes, vampires, thieves and scary creatures. Throughout, the friends support each other to face and conquer their fears and overcome terrifying surprises.

LaRue said she employs a fast-paced style similar to novelist R.L. Stine, author of the best-selling “Goosebumps” novel series. Stine’s work has spawned video games and two feature films, and he has been described as the “Stephen King” of children’s literature.

LaRue — who writes under the pen name F.P. LaRue — said her works reflect her childhood passion for reading and her long-held fascination with scary and mysterious horror tales and movies.

“I’ve always enjoyed spooky things,” she said. Among her favorites is “Dark Shadows,” a gothic fantasy popular on television in the 1960s and into the ‘70s, and in a 2012 movie directed by Tim Burton, famous for fantasy films and gothic horror.

“I like all that goes with ghosts and mummies, even as an adult. I still do. We are all kids at heart.”

Growing up in Trenton, LaRue said her parents emphasized reading. As a child, LaRue was a familiar face at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library. Raised in a family of four children, her father was a maintenance staffer at McLouth Steel Corp. and her mother was a kitchen worker at Trenton’s Riverside Hospital. LaRue graduated from Trenton High School in 1975.

“We were a family of readers,” she said. “My parents always encouraged me to read and that it was important. Kids watch what their parents do and what they value.”

A criminal justice graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a master’s degree in security administration from the University of Detroit, she specialized in security and safety methods and techniques. More recently, she retired as dean of academic affairs at ITT Technical Institute near Flint.

After retiring several years ago, she said, her husband — a digital and technology specialist — “bought an app during COVID” to introduce her to writing as a pastime.

“I enjoyed it and found it easy to follow and do,” she said.

Her foray into fiction was not her first into writing, however. Previously, she drew upon her experience in security to write a nonfiction book (“Stalking: Surviving the Hidden Terror”) about methods for handling and avoiding stalking and stalkers.

In recent years, her interest in childhood reading also produced an advisory article, “Ten Tips to Get Children Reading More.” Among those:

• Create a dedicated reading space

• Make family visits to libraries and bookstores

• Set and example, be positive and patient

• Have them write their own stories

The 10 tips and more about LaRue’s children’s novels — “The Weeping House,” “The Legend of the Serpent Witch” and “The Curse of Shadow Park” — are available at fplarue.com.

Everyone deserves a chance to work.

During October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, one non-profit organization is working to highlight employers who are giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to do so.

“We strive for all individuals to have equal access to the labor market which is a right everyone deserves,” said Rene Dell, vice-president of vocational rehabilitation at Gesher Human Services, a nonprofit working to provide diverse populations in communities across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties with the skills, support and equitable opportunities they need to succeed.

“We also hope to inspire those with disabilities to step out of their comfort zone to chase their dreams and for employers to be inspired to diversify their workforce,” added Dell.

In the past year more than 200 individuals have found work through the program.

Among those inspiring others is Alexi Canup, 24, of Warren.

“I love this job,” said Canup, while holding a hamster wiggling in her arms at Pet Supplies Plus in Sterling Heights. “I was a volunteer here first, then they offered me a job. My mom liked the idea of me being out of the house and doing something.”

Since joining the team at Pets Plus, Canup has proven to be a valuable employee who can keep the shelves stocked and care for all of the animals, with the exception of the slithering reptiles.

“I do not do the snakes. That’s a no, no,” she mused, before handing a hamster to her boss and store manager Chris Lunarki.

“She’s really shown that she can bring a lot to the business,” Lunarki said of Canup. “She works on projects. She interacts well with people in the community, and I find that she’s just fun to be around.”

Canup, however, would argue it’s the environment that makes it fun.

“The best part about working here are the people,” Canup said, although admitting the discounts and being able to work with animals also makes it an awesome job.

Marx Cafagna, who works for the Salvation Army in Rochester Hills, had the same to say about his place of employment.

“I enjoy working at The Salvation Army because of the friendly atmosphere,” said Cafagna, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. “Not only do I feel very comfortable at my place of work, I also feel appreciated for all of the hard work that I am doing. I am very passionate about my position and enjoy going to work every day.”

Lunarki said those who participate in the program have to be prepared to have a supportive environment.

“It does take a little more understanding and patience but we have found that when you create this kind of atmosphere everyone just falls into place,” said Lunarki, who encourages companies to consider the program coordinated between Gesher and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

What’s made it successful is the attention that’s given to customize employment, assessments, internships, workshops and job placement and coaching services for both the individuals and participating companies.

“I would say, definitely be open to it. You will be surprised at what an individual can give to you provided you work within their wheelhouse,” Lunarki said. “We really feel that our business should reflect our community whenever possible.”

That includes people with special needs and disabilities.

“People with disabilities have a strong desire to contribute to society and they are so appreciative when someone gives them the chance to shine,” Dell said. “When you hire someone with a disability you are giving them an opportunity that they had to work so much harder to achieve. As a result, you truly are gaining a dedicated team member. It has been reported that the individuals we have placed show up for their work shifts as scheduled and are willing to go above and beyond to complete their job task.”

Why hire people with disabilities?

Since COVID-19 there has been a rise in the number of companies hiring individuals with special needs and disabilities.

In 2018, the employment rate of working-age people (ages 21 to 64) with disabilities in Michigan was 35.7 percent. The latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows it has risen to 39.7% for women and 41.8% for men, both between the ages of 16 and 64.

However, there remains a large untapped pool of Michigan workers who are loyal, hardworking and highly motivated.

It’s also good for business, according to a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The reasons being:

• They’re dependable: Employers who have hired workers with disabilities report that they are typically more punctual and miss fewer days of work than non-disabled workers.

• They’re committed to their job: Workers with disabilities do not take their jobs for granted. Retention is around 85% of people with developmental disabilities. They take great pride in their work and are loyal to their employers.  Turnover is lower than with non-disabled workers.

• They’re hard workers: Since they value their jobs, employees with disabilities work hard, are productive, and their work skills continue to improve over time.

• Your customers want you to: Consumers are looking for companies that care about people, the community, and social issues. In a national survey, 87% of those asked said they would prefer to give their business to companies that hire workers with disabilities.

For more information visit geshermi.org/careers-employment/.

The Oakland County road commission is hosting a public meeting to let Novi and Northville residents know about a two-year, two-phase renovation of Novi Road.

This section of Novi Road, between Eight Mile and Nine Mile roads, is used by an estimated 13,700 vehicles daily.

The project will start in 2025 and will cost an estimated $6.7 million. Much of the cost is federally funded. Any remaining cost will be divided among the road commission, Novi, Northville and the county’s general fund.

The work includes:

•  Reconstructing the curve between Eight Mile Road and Allen Road near the Rouge River.

•  Pavement milling (grinding off old pavement) and repaving with asphalt (2026).

•  Adding a center left-turn to create two northbound through lanes and one southbound through lane from Allen Road to Nine Mile Road.

•  Adding curbs and gutters where appropriate.

•  Installing storm sewers to improve drainage.

•  Renovating some side-street and driveway approaches.

•  Improving pedestrian crosswalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

•  Adding High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) beacons for pedestrians just north of Galway Street.

During the work, this part of Novi Road will be closed to through traffic. The detour will be 8 Mile Road to Meadowbrook Road to 9 Mile Road, back to Novi Road and vice versa. Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures when utilities are relocated.

The open-house-style meeting is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Hillside Middle School, 775 North Center Street in Northville. Road commission officials will be on hand to answer people’s questions.

To learn more, visit the county road commission’s project page online: https://www.rcocweb.org/698/Novi-Road-8-Mile-Road-to-9-Mile-Road.

The Heartland Marketplace grocery in Farmington Hills is closing Oct. 30, but an international market will be moving in.

Abdullah Alawdi, a partner in Al-Haramain International Foods, confirmed that the chain will open in the Heartland space, 33250 W. 12 Mile Road at Farmington Road, in mid-November.

An existing Al-Haramain location at 24065 Orchard Lake Road, near 10 Mile Road in Farmington, will remain open. There is also a store on Joseph Campau in Hamtramck.

Alawdi said the partners are excited about the new location because it will have more space.

Al-Haramain carries foods representing at least 25 countries, he said.

“We have Korean, Chinese, Middle Eastern, European, Indian, African and more.” he said.

Heartland representatives could not be reached for comment.

Heartland is an independent, family owned chain, according to its website. A location on Ford Road in Westland is remaining in business.

 

 

Today is Monday, Oct. 21, the 295th day of 2024. There are 71 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Oct. 21, 2014, Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide for shooting and killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The conviction was later upgraded to murder; Pistorius was released on parole in January 2024.

Also on this date:

In 1797, the U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” was christened in Boston’s harbor.

In 1805, a British fleet commanded by Adm. Horatio Nelson defeated a French-Spanish fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar; Nelson, however, was killed.

In 1940, Ernest Hemingway’s novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” was first published.

In 1944, U.S. troops captured the German city of Aachen (AH’-kuhn) — the first German city to fall to American forces in World War II.

In 1959, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum opened in New York.

In 1966, 144 people, 116 of them children, were killed when a coal waste landslide engulfed a school and some 20 houses in Aberfan, Wales.

In 2013, a seventh grader at Sparks Middle School in Sparks, Nevada, shot and killed a teacher and wounded two classmates before taking his own life.

In 2021, Actor Alec Baldwin was pointing a gun on a movie set in New Mexico when it went off and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. Charges of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin were dropped in July 2024.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Rock singer Manfred Mann is 84.
• TV’s Judge Judy Sheindlin is 82.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 75.
• Former first daughter Patti Davis is 72.
• Film director Catherine Hardwicke is 69.
• Actor Ken Watanabe (wah-tah-NAH’-bee) is 65.
• Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., is 53.
• Actor Will Estes is 46.
• Reality TV star Kim Kardashian (kahr-DASH’-ee-uhn) is 44.
• MLB pitcher Zack Greinke is 41.
• Actor Glenn Powell is 36.
• Country singer Kane Brown is 31.
• Singer Doja Cat is 29.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jake Bates kicked a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left and the Detroit Lions beat Minnesota 31-29 on Sunday, handing the Vikings their first loss in a back-and-forth game befitting of the NFL’s strongest division.

Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 116 yards and two of Detroit’s three second-quarter touchdowns. He also helped Jared Goff guide the Lions 48 yards in four plays to get in range for their rookie kicker while forcing the Vikings to burn their timeouts. Bates is 10 for 10 on field goals this season.

Goff went 22 for 25 for 280 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers in his third straight game with a 140-plus passer rating, joining Aaron Rodgers (2011), Kurt Warner (1999) and Roger Staubach (1971) as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to accomplish the feat.

Gibbs had 150 total yards to spearhead a commanding performance by the Lions (5-1) at the line of scrimmage against the defense that entered the week with a rushing average per play (3.6) allowed that was the second-best in the league.

Ivan Pace Jr. returned David Montgomery’s fumble 35 yards for a touchdown with 5:50 remaining to give the Vikings (5-1) a one-point lead after they trailed 21-10 at halftime, but Sam Darnold’s crucial 2-point conversion pass sailed past Justin Jefferson.

The Vikings neared midfield on their last-gasp possession, but they were too far away for their own perfect rookie Will Reichard to attempt a field goal. Darnold was sacked to end the game and give the Lions their fourth consecutive victory over the Vikings for their longest streak in the series since 1961-63.

Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards and a TD for Minnesota despite being listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Jefferson had 81 yards receiving and a touchdown, and Reichard made three field goals, including a 57-yarder.

Darnold went 22 for 27 for 259 yards, but he spoiled a promising drive in the second quarter when the Vikings needed to regain some rhythm by ignoring a wide-open Jones in the flat off a play-action fake and forcing a throw to Jordan Addison that was intercepted by a diving Brian Branch.

The Lions played a second quarter for the ages. They had three scoring drives that all covered at least 69 yards on the strength of some shrewd play-calling by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson that rendered the chess moves by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores moot, as Goff beat blitz after blitz.

Takeaways as Lions overcome disastrous fumble, defeat Vikings, 31-29

Injury report

Lions: RB Montgomery (knee) limped off in the first quarter but returned before halftime. … RG Kevin Zeitler (groin) was inactive, and his backup Kayode Awosika was flagged twice for holding and once for a false start in the first quarter. One holding call was declined by the Vikings because they sacked Goff on the play.

Vikings: LB Blake Cashman (toe) was inactive.

Up next

Lions: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday afternoon.

Vikings: Play at the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

— By DAVE CAMPBELL, Associated Press

Photo gallery from the Lions-Vikings first-place showdown in Minnesota

The majority of candidates running for the Oxford school board opted not to appear at a forum held by the League of Women Voters.

Five of the eight candidates running for four-year and two-year terms were not present at the Oxford Township Hall on Thursday night.

Mike Aldred, Sara Beth Campagiorni, Angela Euashka and Christopher Zitny, all running for the three four-year team seats, were not at the forum.

Rich Schneider, who is running against Ann Acheson for the lone two-year term, also skipped the forum.

Only Zitny and Campagiorni sent statements to be read by moderator Christine Allen.

Shane Gibson, Randall Kreger, Acheson and write-in candidate and current board President Erin Reis were on hand to take questions from the audience.

Reis said recent changes in her employment allowed her to change her mind and run for another four-year term as a write-in candidate.

“Now that I have the ability to stay four years I am hoping that the community will write me in and keep me for four more years,” said Reis.

The four candidates were asked questions covering safety concerns, social and emotional learning curriculum, student diversity and if any of them supported reopening the investigation into the November 2021 shooting at Oxford High School.

In a resolution unanimously passed 6-0 in August, the board asked for a state funded review of how emergency responders and the district responded on the day of the shooting. They also asked for investigators to have subpoena power, additional funding for student and mental health safety and to enact House Bill 5549, which requires suicide and threat assessment to be a part of every emergency operations plan and threat assessment training.

The four were unanimous in their feeling that reopening the investigation or having the district spend any more money on it would be fruitless.

“I’ve spoken with a lot of people within the district, folks that work within the schools and they really stressed the trauma that it would cause to go through another investigation and rehash a lot of the information,” said Gibson.

“A lot of people have already given their depositions and to have them go through this again would be more negative than positive because the information that is already out there is open to us,” said Kreger.

“If the state were to come in and form a commission to look into the emergency response, that would be beneficial,” said Acheson. “As to spending any school dollars, absolutely not. I don’t think it is appropriate for the district to take on any more of that cost.”

There are no more forums scheduled for the candidates before the Nov. 5 election.

The Detroit Lions are an organization that has battled and overcome a significant amount of adversity over the past several years.

Facing their first test without Aidan Hutchinson in the lineup, Detroit’s coaching staff put its trust in other members of the defense, including Isaac Ukwu, who earned an opportunity to start in the 2022 No. 2 overall pick’s place.

“This is what this team’s built off of — overcome adversity,” said coach Dan Campbell earlier this week. “That’s where we’re at right now. And, this is a big one, but that’s what it’s about. And, it’s next man up, and we’ve got to overcome this.”

A shaky first quarter was followed by key playmakers stepping up and getting the Lions back into the game.

After 60 minutes of action at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Lions were able to comeback from a late deficit to advance their record to 5-1 and secure their first division win.

Here are several takeaways from the Lions’ 31-29 Week 7 victory:

Veteran Kevin Zeitler missed early

After losing the opening coin toss, the Lions received the football to start the game on offense.

The Vikings quickly targeted Kayode Awosika, who lined up at right guard in place of veteran Kevin Zeitler.

Unfortunately, the young offensive lineman was flagged for holding on consecutive snaps, forcing Detroit’s offense into a third-and-long. After a dump off to David Montgomery, Detroit’s first drive ended abruptly.

Jared Goff, who had enjoyed success in the pocket in the past against Minnesota, was sacked on the opening drive.

Gamble by Dan Campbell fails, gives Vikings early momentum

Detroit’s fourth-year head coach is no stranger to being aggressive, but an early decision of his Sunday will end up being highly scrutinized.

On the Lions’ own 33-yard line, and facing a fourth-and-7, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin took the direct snap, and failed to rush for the first down. The Vikings quickly sniffed out the fake attempt.

Minnesota quickly took advantage of the prime field position. Aaron Jones, who was questionable going into the Week 7 contest, scored a 34-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. The rush was the longest gain Detroit’s defense has given up on the ground this season, giving Minnesota an early 7-0 lead.

Gibbs’ explosive touchdown gets Lions back in the game

With David Montgomery sidelined at the end of the first quarter with a knee injury, Detroit’s offense turned to a young player the coaching staff felt was super close to recording an explosive run.

Jahmyr Gibbs helped halt the Vikings momentum with a 45-yard touchdown scamper, his longest career rush, early in the second quarter.

Prior, Detroit’s offense has recorded less than 60 yards of production in the first quarter.

The 22-year-old has rushed for a touchdown in three consecutive games against the Vikings, joining Billy Sims for the longest such streak in team history.

Gibbs added another rushing score late in the second quarter, capping off the Lions’ third consecutive scoring drive.

Passing attack sparked by Amon-Ra St. Brown

Facing their largest deficit of the 2024 season, the Lions were able to quickly erase the Vikings’ 10-point lead.

The Vikings’ offense struggled with penalties at the end of the first half, and Detroit’s offense took advantage.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was on the receiving end of a 35-yard-toss from Goff that gave Detroit its first lead of the game.

The former fourth-round pick has now recorded a touchdown reception in each of his last four games.

On the ensuing offensive possession for the Vikings, Brian Branch picked off Sam Darnold, recording his third interception in the past two weeks.

Kalif Raymond shines in third quarter

After the Vikings scored to begin the third quarter and cut Detroit’s lead to four points, the Lions wasted no time answering back promptly. A big reason for the offense’s success was the emergence of wide receiver Kalif Raymond.

The veteran wideout had eight catches for 70 yards entering Sunday’s game. However, he had three catches for 39 yards on one drive alone. Two of the catches came at pivotal junctures, with the first being a leaping 13-yard catch to convert a third-and-9.

After Jared Goff narrowly avoided a sack to complete a 22-yard pass to Tim Patrick, he connected once again with Raymond for a 21-yard touchdown to put the Lions back in front by double digits.

Pass rush struggles without Aidan Hutchinson

The Lions’ defense did not record a single sack until the end of the third quarter. It became evident in the second half Detroit’s efforts to pressure Darnold were not all that effective.

Darnold had ample opportunities to survey the field and find his offensive targets.

Josh Paschal was able to record his first sack of the 2024 season just prior to the start of the fourth quarter.

Photo gallery from the Lions-Vikings first-place showdown in Minnesota

Comeback needed after Montgomery fumble

After the defense forced a critical stop in the fourth quarter, Detroit was in the advantageous position of having their offense on the field.

Detroit’s offense had been able to spread the football around effectively, but an unfortunate turnover occurred at the worst possible time.

Leading 28-23, safety Josh Metellus was able to knock the football free from Montgomery. The fumble was recovered by linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and returned 36-yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Leading 29-28, the Vikings offense were unsuccessful in their 2-point try.

A key defensive stop led to Detroit’s late comeback drive. With 2:32 remaining, Detroit was able to move the football into field goal range, led by Gibbs and St. Brown.

Jake Bates nailed a 44-yard field goal to help stun the Vikings.

This article was produced by the staff at Detroit Lions On SI. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

In a game where both teams rallied from double-digit deficits, the Lions got a 44-yard field goal from rookie kicker Jake Bates to beat the Minnesota Vikings, 31-29, Sunday’s road win giving the Lions a share of first place in the NFC North Division.

Check out all the sights from Sunday’s game here:

 

Oregon became the fourth team this season to hold the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press college football poll, moving into the top spot on Sunday for the first time in 12 years after Texas lost at home to Georgia.

Vanderbilt made its first appearance since the 2013 season, at No. 25, and defending national champion Michigan fell out after a second straight loss dropped it to 4-3.

Unbeaten Oregon followed its one-point home win over Ohio State with its first road shutout in 32 years, a 35-0 rout of Purdue, and received 59 of 61 first-place votes.

Georgia, which has won three straight games since its loss to Alabama, made a three-spot jump to No. 2 on the strength of its 30-15 win at previously No. 1 Texas. The Bulldogs got the other two first-place votes.

No. 3 Ohio State and No. 4 Penn State were idle Saturday and held their spots. Texas dropped to No. 5 after Georgia held it 28 points under its scoring average.

Miami prevailed in a wild game at Louisville and remained No. 6, and Tennessee rose four spots to No. 7 following its win over Alabama. LSU, Clemson and Iowa State rounded out the top 10.

No team this season has held the No. 1 spot for more than three straight weeks. Georgia topped the poll in the preseason but a one-point win at unranked Kentucky in Week 3 bumped the Bulldogs out. Texas took over for two weeks, then gave way to Alabama following the Crimson Tide’s win over Georgia.

Alabama lasted one week at No. 1, getting upset at Vanderbilt after its win over Georgia. That allowed Texas to return to the top for two weeks.

Chip Kelly was coach of the only other Oregon teams to reach No. 1. The 2012 Ducks, led by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, were in the top spot for one week in November 2012 after following a 10-0 start with a loss to Stanford. The 2010 team, which lost to Auburn in the BCS title game, spent six weeks at No. 1.

Poll points

This marks the first time since 2012 that four teams will play a game as the No. 1 team in the same season. Oregon was among the four that year. The others were Southern California, Alabama and Notre Dame. The other seasons since 2000 with four or more No. 1 teams were 2007 (4), 2008 (6) and 2010 (4).

Tennessee’s 24-17 win over Alabama produced the biggest moves in the poll. The Volunteers jumped from No. 11 to No. 7. The Crimson Tide dropped eight spots to No. 15, their lowest ranking since 2010.

Texas’ loss to Georgia was the first by a No. 1 team at home against a top-five opponent since Miami beat Florida State 17-16 in 1991.

In-and-out

Vanderbilt’s previous ranking was No. 24 in the final poll of the 2013 season. The Commodores, who beat Ball State to improve to 5-2, are off to their best start since opening 5-0 in 2008. That also was the last time Vandy was ranked in the regular season.

Michigan, which scored its fewest points in a game since 2014 in its 21-7 loss at Illinois, had been ranked in 54 consecutive polls since 2021.

Conference call

SEC 9 — (Nos. 2, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25).

Big Ten — 5 (Nos. 1, 3, 4, 13, 20).

ACC — 4 (Nos. 6, 9, 19, 22).

Big 12 — 3 (Nos. 10, 11, 16).

American — 2 (Nos. 23, 24).

Mountain West — 1 (No. 17).

Independent — 1 (No. 12).

Ranked vs. Ranked

—No. 20 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon. The Illini play the top-ranked team for the first time since 2007. They won 28-21 at Ohio State that year.

—No. 5 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt. First matchup since these teams met 12 times between 1899-1928. Commodores haven’t beaten two Top 25 opponents in the same season since 2008.

—No. 8 LSU at No. 14 Texas A&M. This has become one of the SEC’s better series lately. The teams have split their last three meetings.

—No. 12 Notre Dame at No. 24 Navy. This will be the 11th time in 97 meetings, and first since 2019, that both teams are ranked when they meet.

—No. 21 Missouri at No. 15 Alabama. Nothing comes easily for either team this season. The two-loss Crimson Tide haven’t dropped three games before November since 2006.

— By ERIC OLSON, Associated Press

This fresh luxury dream home is located in an upscale area of Bloomfield Hills, near the Cranbrook Campus.

Built in 1987, the house was completely remodeled down to the studs in 2024, according to the listing offered by KW Domain.

Some of the renovations included creating an open floor plan between the main rooms, upgrading to a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen and adding modern luxuries to the primary suite including a spa-like bath.

The 4,700 square-foot home is situated on an acre surrounded by mature trees for privacy with plenty of space in the backyard to add a pool and sport court.

The front entrance of the two-story Colonial features a regal covered porch with double doors, which open to a two-story foyer.

The seamless floor plan flows from one room to the next, including the spacious family room and living room.

The chef’s kitchen features a kitchen island, top-of-the-line appliances, a hidden pantry and a walk-out balcony.

The kitchen is open to a bright and airy breakfast area.

The luxurious primary en suite features a fireplace and spa-like bath.

The home also includes a private office, four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, two half baths, and a laundry room.

The walk-out lower level adds 2,000 square feet of living space with a two-story sunroom, home theater room, fitness room and recreation space.

The home includes a circular driveway and a four-car attached garage.

Address: 221 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills

Price $3,150,000

For more information, call Tushar Vakhariya or Renee Lossia-Acho of KW Domain at 248-590-0800 or visit https://tvarla.com/homes-for-sale-details/221-LONE-PINE-ROAD-BLOOMFIELD-HILLS-MI-48304/20240074038/404.

Max Kim, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

SEOUL, South Korea — You’d be hard pressed to find anyone here who had anticipated that Han Kang would be awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in literature, the world’s highest literary honor.

Although the South Korean novelist had already tallied up a number of other prestigious international accolades and is widely read here, she is 53, and the award traditionally favors writers in the twilight of their careers.

“I thought that she might win it one day, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon,” said Jeong Kwa-ri, a literary critic and former professor of Korean literature at Yonsei University, Han’s alma mater. “Most of the South Korean writers who have been seen as top contenders are in their 70s and 80s.”

Recognized last week by the Swedish Academy “for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life,” Han is the first Asian woman to win the literature Nobel in its 123-year-old history and the second South Korean Nobel laureate. Then-President Kim Dae-jung was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his diplomacy with North Korea.

Han has kept a low profile following the win, reportedly refusing a celebration her father planned, citing the wars still raging in Gaza and Ukraine. But the rest of the country has been abuzz with “Han Kang Syndrome.”

As of Tuesday, the country’s book retailers have reported more than 800,000 sales of Han’s works and expect to hit the 1 million mark by the end of the week. Stores, dealing with long lines, are rapidly selling out, and printing presses have been working around the clock to produce more.

Han, who was born in 1970 in the city of Gwangju, comes from a literary family. Her father is Han Sung-won, a famous novelist who has cheerfully noted that his daughter’s stature has eclipsed his own.

“It used to be that Han Kang was known as Han Sung-won’s daughter, but now I’ve become Han Sung-won, the father of Han Kang,” he said in an interview in 2016.

Many of Han’s novels are intimate portraits of violence inflicted on ordinary lives, spanning both South Korea’s long history of authoritarian rule and the feminist struggles of the present.

Among her best-known works in South Korea is “Human Acts,” a novel about the Chun Doo-hwan military dictatorship’s massacre of civilians in 1980 following pro-democracy protests in the city of Gwangju.

Public debate about the massacre has long been an irritant for South Korean conservatives, who have at times sought to downplay the government’s role or promoted conspiracy theories that the protests were an act of North Korean subterfuge.

Under the conservative administration of former President Park Geun-hye, the daughter of another military dictator, Han was placed on a blacklist in 2014, barring her from receiving government support, along with other creatives deemed to be ideologically undesirable.

Told through multiple perspectives, “Human Acts” draws inspiration from real-life figures, including Moon Jae-hak, a high school student who was shot to death by junta forces deployed to Gwangju.

“I was so happy that I thought my heart would stop,” Kim Kil-ja, Moon’s mother, said of Han’s Nobel in an interview with local media. “Her book has managed to spread the truth about the incident to the world.”

Han’s own recommendation for those just diving into her work is “We Do Not Part,” a novel that explores a civilian massacre the South Korean government committed on the island of Jeju in 1948, a period of anti-communist paranoia. The English translation of the novel, which won France’s Prix Médicis award last year, is due in January 2025.

But the most famous — and notorious — of Han’s oeuvre is “The Vegetarian,” a darkly surreal tale about a woman who spirals into madness after vowing to give up meat. Lauded as a parable about female resistance against patriarchal South Korean society, the novel won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, an honor shared by Han and her British translator, Deborah Smith.

But the award placed the book at the center of a fierce debate about literary translations. Critics said the award-winning English translation by Smith, who had only started learning Korean a few years earlier, not only committed basic errors — such as confusing the Korean word for “foot” with “arm” — but altered the text far beyond the acceptable parameters of translation.

“Translations of Korean literature have long suffered from many obstacles, with more ‘pure’ translations failing to find success,” Jeong, the literary critic, said.

The question has long preoccupied the country’s literary scene, which has watched South Korea’s film and television industries produce worldwide hits like “Parasite” or “Squid Game” while wondering why South Korean books have failed to capture the same level of global interest.

“As a result of that, there has been an increasing tendency in translation to overlook disfigurations of the original text in favor of conforming to foreign readers’ tastes,” Jeong said. “‘The Vegetarian’ is a prime example of that.”

Writing for The Times in 2016, Charse Yun, a Korean American literary translator, acknowledged Smith’s “exquisite” sentences but said that the translation had “morphed into a ‘new creation.’”

“I find it hard to come up with an adequate analogy, but imagine the plain, contemporary style of Raymond Carver being garnished with the elaborate diction of Charles Dickens,” he wrote.

Defending her work in an essay for the Los Angeles Review of Books in 2018, Smith, who has translated two more of Han’s books, argued that, given the differences in any two languages, “there can be no such thing as a translation that is not ‘creative.’”

For many critics, the translation question is still an open one. But for better or worse, Han’s latest and most prestigious honor has now cemented the playbook for Korean literature’s global success.

Despite his doubts about Smith’s translation, Yun today sees plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

“The field was greatly opened and more people were able to access Korean literature,” Yun said of Han’s global rise.

“I’m just happy for my former students and other talented translators out there that now have an opportunity to bring other Korean voices to the field.”

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

DIXON, Calif. — Deep inside one of the world’s largest corn mazes, where the tri-tip sandwiches and soft-serve ice cream purchased at the concession stand have become but a memory and all that can be seen in any direction are dirt paths and dead-end walls of green plants whispering in the breeze, people tend to reveal themselves.

From humble beginnings with a not-very-impressive pumpkin patch two decades ago, a farming family in this Solano County town decided to move into the corn maze game, hoping to have some seasonal fun and earn a little extra cash. And then, fueled by corny ambition and creative use of Excel spreadsheets, the Cooley family of Dixon went big. Really big.

Their Cool Patch Pumpkins corn maze has caused traffic back-ups on Interstate 80. It has prompted a frenzy of 911 calls to the Solano County Sheriff’s Department from people who find themselves lost in the labyrinth. It has twice earned a Guinness World Record as the world’s largest corn maze. And in doing so, it has become “a big part” of the farm’s revenue, according to Tayler Cooley, despite the vast acreage the family farms year-round.

Over the years, the maze has also served as a towering 60-acre experiment in human psychology.

“You can learn a lot” about a person from how they behave in a corn maze, said Brett Herbst, who said he built the first one west of the Mississippi in 1996, and now has a company, the Maize, that designs and builds them each fall for farmers around the country. (Cool Patch is not one of his customers.)

Some people, it turns out, approach a hokey seasonal activity as they would an Olympic race: Speed is the goal. They grip their paper maps with tight fingers and fierce concentration. They blast around corners of corn, barely dodging small children. Woe to anyone in their group who wants to take a rest.

Others like to wander. They turn this way and that through the rustling 10-foot stalks, laughing when they get lost, and pausing for chats, snacks and selfies atop the four elevated bridges that connect different parts of the maze.

Sit quietly amongst the ears of corn, and it becomes easy to spot who is who:

“Guys, pick up the pace,” a young woman from UC Davis screamed at her companions as they ran by on a recent afternoon, explaining that they were racing against another group and could not pause to talk.

Contrast that with Amari Moore, 22, of Sacramento, who was taking a nice long break at one of the bridges. “I’m getting a little tired,” she said.

And then — and there is no nice way to put this — there are the cheaters. These are the people who, despairing of finding their way out honestly, simply smash and bash their way through the corn willy-nilly.

Or, those who lose all hope of escape and in their panic call 911 to plead for rescue from sheriff’s deputies. (The dispatchers tend to counsel waiting for help from on site — or taking the cheater’s route out.)

Mazes and labyrinths have been around for thousands of years. In Greek mythology, the Minotaur — with the head of a bull and body of a man — was imprisoned at the center of a labyrinth in Crete and ate anyone who couldn’t find their way out. Theseus managed to kill the Minotaur, but still needed help from a princess to escape.

The farm town of Dixon, population 19,000, made its mark in mazes about 20 years ago — about the time corn mazes began to take off across the U.S. thanks to new computer programming that helps farmers plot out massive labyrinths with a sinuous web of passageways.

Matt Cooley, a second-generation farmer of walnuts, tomatoes, sunflowers, wheat and alfalfa, decided to grow a few pumpkins for Halloween and sell them by the side of the road. Then, someone gave him the idea to create a maze.

The Cool Patch maze, which rises from the flatlands near Interstate 80 just before the Sacramento Valley rolls up into the Vaca Mountains, got ever larger and more creative. Tayler Cooley, Matt’s daughter-in-law, is the designer. Each year, it has a theme. This year, the words “A House Divided Shall Not Stand” are carved into the corn, along with “God Bless America.” Is it a comment on the coming election, and the country’s profoundly divided electorate?

“This year we encourage our visitors and society as a whole to band together for the greater good of our nation,” the Cooley family explains on the Cool Patch website.

In recent years, the farm has also become famous for a symbol that people can get behind no matter their political persuasion: the minions of the “Despicable Me” film franchise. In recent years, one of the farm’s employees, Juan Ramirez, has crafted giant minions out of hay bales that are visible from the freeway.

Some scholars think mazes embody paradoxes. And it may be a paradox of modern agriculture that the Cooleys’ farm is not the only one that now brings in a substantial portion of its income from a maze that sprouts for only a few weeks each autumn. (The corn from the maze is harvested in November, Tayler Cooley said, and becomes animal feed.)

Farming is a tough business, especially for small- and medium-sized farms, which can be rocked by the weather and fluctuations in commodities pricing and fuel costs.

When it comes to agritourism, corn mazes once lurked in the shadows of pumpkin patches, U-pick berry operations and apple orchard hayrides. But, perhaps because of those mythic roots and their ability to test the human psyche, they’ve exploded in popularity.

Herbst, founder of the Maize, said the first commercial corn maze he knows of was grown by a farmer in the early 1990s. Herbst built his own in 1996. These days, his company prepares maze designs for hundreds of farms. For an additional charge, his crew will carve out the maze.

“Corn maze has become a staple word for October, just like pumpkins,” he said.

In 2023, according to Guiness, a farmer in Quebec usurped Cool Patch for the title to world’s largest maze. But for the thousands of people who now view a trip to Dixon as one of their autumn rituals, it hardly matters.

“I grew up coming here,” said Becca Invanusich, 32, who was visiting on a recent Saturday from Santa Rosa with her fiance and two friends.

As a child, her maze style was to cheat: “I would just shoot right through it,” she said, gesturing to the rows of corn.

But as an adult, she said, she savors the mental challenge. Her group planned to solve the puzzle, no matter how long it took.

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Josh A. Dawson is no stranger to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre.

Coming in this week with “MJ The Musical,” a jukebox production about the late Michael Jackson,” will mark the University of Michigan alumnus’ fourth time on that stage after two previous stops with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and one as part of “Hamilton.”

“The Detroit area’s been home since I went to college there,” says Dawson, 35, who portrays Jackson’s older brother, Tito, as well as producer Quincy Jones in “MJ.”

And he plans to make the most of this particular return in a very maize and blue kind of way.

“I haven’t seen a game at the Big House in a long time, so I’m taking off the first Saturday we’re there,” says Dawson, who will be in the house for Michigan’s annual rivalry game against Michigan State University. “I’ll take the whole day off and do an old-fashioned tailgate, hopefully, see some old college buddies, go see the game at night. I can’t wait.”

The visit also will mark the return of one of the school’s more accomplished alumni, with credits on stage and screen and in the music world.

Dawson has had several homes — born in Atlanta, raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Dallas, also educated in Cincinnati and residing in New York. He was raised singing and playing instruments in church, where his father was a pastor who introduced him to R&B, funk and jazz (including Quincy Jones’ work), while his mother favored singer-songwriters such as Carole King and James Taylor.

“They pooled everything they could in from an early age for singing lessons, dance lessons,” recalls Dawson, who was born Toney but took his stage surname to honor his grandfather, a singer whose singing group had to turn down an offer to appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show” because one of the other members was afraid to fly.

“I made a promise to my grandfather when I was really, really young that I was going to sing on TV for him,” says Dawson, who’s done that multiple times — including portraying Harry Belafonte in a 2017 episode of Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” “That’s why I took the Dawson name; I wanted to give that to him before he transitioned on. It was a way to honor my family.”

Dawson first studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and then moved to New York for practical experience before returning to school at Michigan — a school he was well aware of because a beloved football player from Cedar Rapids, Adrian Arrington, had played wide receiver for the football team and appeared in two bowl games. “I’m a huge basketball fan, too, so it worked out great,” Dawson says. “I got to combine my artistry with being a sports fan.” But he came to the school for more than the games.

“I wanted to fill some holes in my artistry,” Dawson explains. “I like to say I went back to Michigan to bring my humanity into my artistry. I was a little older and had learned some things being in New York, so this was a unique opportunity to go back to school and refocus and really assess what I needed as opposed to just coming out of high school and saying, ‘Give me all the information in four years.” Taking more dance classes and film acting classes, Dawson “got to recraft what I needed and gain a new sense of confidence.”

In addition to “Beautiful,” “Hamilton” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Dawson also starred in an Off-Broadway production of “Cyrano.” He’s released music, too, both on his own and as part of the band Britton & the Sting.”

Dawson considers the Jackson estate-authorized “MJ” — which premiered on Broadway in 2021 and won four Tony Awards — to be “unlike any other Broadway musical I’ve ever been part of. It’s such a wonderful celebration of this incredible artist … and shows his humanity in a very, very unique way. I think that in 2024, to look at an artist in their humanity first … this allows us to have some important and tough and challenging conversations with ourselves, and each other.”

Among those, of course, are allegations of child abuse that continue to dog Jackson’s legacy 15 years after his death at the age of 50. Unsurprisingly, that’s not something Lynn Nottage’s “MJ” book focuses on. For his part, Dawson says: “I try not to take a judgment of how other people are going to go into this piece and deduce whatever they’re going to deduce about the past. What I can do in those three hours is honor the thing I believe connects us all which is the music, the artistry … not for good, not for bad.

“I just try to do my job as an actor and represent the story, represent the information. How people digest it, that’s on them. That’s going to be a subjective experience.”

What Dawson likes best, however, is the opportunity to represent Quincy Jones, who he calls a personal hero.

“I’ve modeled much of my artistry after Quincy Jones, who has spent time in the world and is an artist who does not believe in genres and compartmentalization or any of that,” says Dawson, who also enjoys playing Tito Jackson — and eulogized him on stage after the guitar-playing Jackson 5 member died Sept. 15 at the age of 70. But it’s Jones’ acumen and outlook, especially on the mega-successful Jackson albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” that fuels Dawson for “MJ.”

“There is a sort of common denominator in the experience,” Dawson says, “that when you leave you are transformed, and that Michael Jackson tapped into that sort of timeless, lifeblood music. It transcends genre, transcends race and political leanings. It just makes your body move on that sort of molecular level.

“The ability to see art in waves and energy and to be able to pass that thing to the audience is one of the things I love most about this piece of theater.”

“MJ The Musical” opens Wednesday, Oct. 23 and runs through Nov. 3 at the Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. 313-872-100 or broadwayindetroit.com. 

It’s been nothing short of a banner year for horror movies.

Since 2024 kicked off nearly 11 months ago, gore hounds have been treated with a seemingly nonstop supply of good fright flicks.

They’ve come in all shapes and sizes, from monsters and mad men to creeps and creatures to slashers and space aliens.

Throughout it all, I’ve paid very close attention – perhaps more closely than one would say is healthy – to all the blood baths, jump scares and things that go bump in the night, picking the winners from the losers, with the goal of delivering my list of the Best Horror Films of 2024 (thus far) to you in time for Halloween.

And, jeepers, do I ever think I’ve succeeded in that goal.

All 10 of my picks were released widely this year, although some may have premiered earlier at film festivals and whatnot. Also, they are listed in order, from the very best to – in the case of this particular year – still really worth watching.

More significantly, all of creepy offerings are available to stream/rent/download. So, read on and pick a few that sound intriguing. Then – if you dare – go right ahead and host your own Halloween movie party.

1. ‘In a Violent Nature’

Director Chris Nash flips the script on standard slasher film fare, creating something that feels refreshingly new and — most terrifyingly – real in a genre that has been plagued by clichés and laziness for decades.

The result is a film that doesn’t resemble anything I’ve ever seen in the genre, which is clearly not a statement I thought I would be making in 2024.

The sheer creativeness with the gore and effects is what grabs the headlines, but this film’s best moments come from how Nash strikes – and then holds – the feeling of menace basically throughout the entire film.

Plus, the genre definitely now has a new slasher icon in the silent, hulking Johnny.

2. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

This prequel seals the deal on “A Quiet Place” being the best horror movie franchise of recent years, becoming the third film in the series to rank in the top 5 fright flicks of its respective year.

Director Michael Sarnoski does a great job taking over the helm from John Krasinski (who still co-wrote the story and co-produced the film) in this prequel, as he goes back and sets the table for all the terror of 2018’s “A Quiet Place” and 2020’s “A Quiet Place Part II.”

The space creatures (known by fans as “Death Angels”) are still terrifying predators, but this film is really about survival, friendship and, ultimately, what makes us human.

And the film’s last sequence, set to the best song of all time (aka, Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”), is my favorite closing scene of any film released in 2024.

3. ‘The Substance’

Hollywood star Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore) is having a really bad 50th birthday, as she ends up getting dumped from her popular TV exercise show so someone younger can step in and host.

Getting older stinks, she reasons, so she decides to do something about it and signs up for this highly experimental procedure that can breathe new life into her 50-year-old body. It turns out to be an appallingly bad idea, but one that also sets the scene for one of the finest body horror films of all time.

Moore is splendid in the role – and one can only hope the Oscar buzz around her performance will actually result in a nomination. And while we’re talking Oscar nominations, pencil one down in the best supporting role category for Dennis Quaid as Sparkle’s creepy, ageist boss.

The whole film is sensational, but the last 20 minutes or so have to be seen to be believed.

4. ‘Sting’

It’s a good ol’ fashioned mainstream monster movie – the type that were once churned out seemingly every week in the ‘80s – where the blood and gore are kept light and jump scares are king.

All 12-year-old Charlotte (Alyla Browne) wants is a companion, someone – or something – to keep her company while mom and stepdad are busy with other things. Unfortunately, she picks a crazy mutant/alien spider thingy, which immediately begins multiplying in size and causing all sorts of mayhem in the apartment building Charlotte lives in.

The retro feel of the whole thing, combined with solid acting and a script that keeps things moving along quite nicely, makes this a little horror film that pays off big time.

5. ‘Late Night with the Devil’

At the time of this writing, this was the top rated horror film of 2024 on Rotten Tomatoes – boosting nothing short of a 97 percent approval rating.

I’m actually more surprised about the 3 percent who voted thumbs down, as opposed the overwhelming 97 percent who loved this entirely creepy tale of late-night talk show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) who goes way to far to try and improve his ratings.

In his pursuit of taking down Johnny Carson, Delroy ends up unleashing true evil upon TV viewers across the country.

Whoops!

6. ‘Oddity’

The Irish horror feature, which won the audience award during the incredibly popular midnight movies series at the South by Southwest film festival earlier this year, has been a true word of mouth sensation.

People see this film, which hit theaters in the U.S. without much fanfare back in July, and then they go on to tell all their friends about this chilling tale of one fateful night when a dreadful wooden mannequin arrives at the home of a psychiatrist and his new girlfriend.

The fact that the psychiatrist immediately lets this monstrosity into the house, of course, is a definite sign that he should hire his own psychiatrist. (Hasn’t this guy ever seen a horror movie before?)

“Oddity” deals in pure tension and apprehension, crafting the kind of spookiness that stays with a viewer long after the actual film is over.

7. ‘Arcadian’

Just can’t get enough of the “A Quiet Place” films (and don’t want to wait until the fourth, and supposedly last, one comes out)? Then push play on “Arcadian,” which is another groovy post-apocalyptic flick that definitely delivers on its premise.

Nicholas Cage – who had a big year in the horror realm (see No. 8 below as well) – is at the top of his game playing a father who is trying to keep his two young sons safe in a world gone mad with (really cool looking) monsters.

We’ve seen this storyline scads of times before, packaged under countless different titles, but rarely handled as convincingly as what you get here.

8. ‘Longlegs’

This was the most hyped-up horror film of the year, with advance reviews hoisting the bar so high that it was seemingly inevitable that some viewers would leave theaters feeling a bit underwhelmed.

No, “Longlegs” isn’t for every horror fan. But those who like creepy, mood-driven mediations on the genre, filled with plenty of twists and turns and boosting a kind of David Lynchian vibe, then “Longlegs” should definitely do the trick.

Plus, you get to see Cage deliver what may well be his most bizarre performance to date – and, yes, I know that’s really saying something.

9. ‘Stopmotion’

I’d be lying if I said I really liked this movie. I didn’t. It was hard to watch and disturbing. Yet, it was also a film that challenged me and stayed with me, as it explored a really whacked-out relationship between an artist and her art. It’s certainly one of the most impactful horror films of 2024, striking the all-consuming question of how far will you go to feed your muse and further your own creations.

10. ‘Night Swim’

OK, so I liked this one – probably more than I should have. It’s not great art, but rather pretty run-of-the-mill supernatural fare – once again from the never-resting horror mill known as Blumhouse Productions. And the premise – a demonic swimming pool that devours people – is ridiculous even by horror standards.

Yet, it was well put together, kept my interest – even through multiple viewings – and provided some good scares. And sometimes that’s all you need in a horror movie – especially at Halloween time.

Andrea Chang | Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Fourth-grader Naiya White knows what you think about her twice-daily beauty regimen and her Sephora shopping trips.

“I heard all you guys were freaking out about 10-year-olds using skin care,” she says in a TikTok video posted last month, standing outside a Sephora store in Grand Junction, Colorado. “So let’s go pick some out!”

Moments later, White is making her way down the hot pink Glow Recipe aisle in an oversize Lilo & Stitch T-shirt and sparkly green eyeliner, ticking off her favorite products in rapid succession.

“I’d recommend this avocado cleanser; it’s nourishing and gentle,” she says, holding up a $28 tube of face wash. “The mist is also a yes — it makes your skin look super glowy and it’s hydrating. This moisturizer is also one of my favorites and it smells delicious. The hyaluronic Plum Plump balm is a great sleep mask for lips.”

In conclusion, she says with more than a hint of sass, “For all the cranky, musty, dusty adults out there who think little kids shouldn’t be using skin care … get it together!”

Naiya, 10, is part of a fast-growing army of preteens who are swarming into beauty stores around the country and buying up cleansers, moisturizers, toners, face masks and, in some cases, potent anti-wrinkle serums, exfoliants and peels that are intended to slow the aging process in much older consumers. They’re showing off their multi-hundred-dollar hauls and elaborate morning and nighttime routines on TikTok, where the catchphrase “Sephora Kids” has been hashtagged more than 11,000 times.

The obsession with skin care among Gen Alpha — typically defined as those born between 2010 and 2024 — is leading to a windfall of unexpected business for the booming $164 billion global skin-care industry, which historically has targeted women, not girls. But cosmetics brands and the retailers that carry their products are facing a delicate balancing act as they navigate the phenomenon and figure out how to market to a growing cohort of impressionable customers.

“I don’t want to see younger kids using active ingredients, using exfoliating products, because it’s just not necessary,” said Shai Eisenman, founder and chief executive of Bubble, one of the skin-care lines most coveted by Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. “We have a responsibility as a brand, and that responsibility is not to sell as many products as possible.”

In June, cosmetics chain Ulta Beauty released an analysis of customer data that showed members of Gen Alpha become interested in beauty much earlier than their predecessors.

“While Gen Z females started experimenting with beauty products and services around age 13, Gen Alpha is eclipsing them by five years — starting at the average age of 8 for females and males,” the report said. “They also start more concretely defining what beauty means to them around the age of 11.”

The burgeoning skin-care trend, which Ulta Beauty began noticing in the last year, is “driven by the rise of new skincare rituals and trending products on TikTok,” a spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Gen Alpha overwhelmingly views skin care as a form of self-care and wellness.

Skin-care mania has divided millennial parents, many of whom grew up washing their faces in the shower with a bar of soap — if at all — and now are baffled by the multistep get-ready-with-me videos that their children are diligently following on social media.

Dermatologists and estheticians say the unease is more than just the usual hand-wringing of an older generation. They worry influencers are pushing children to splurge on products that in some cases could cause damage to sensitive young skin, and are concerned the craze is kick-starting an unhealthy fixation with physical appearance.

“A lot of tweens and teens are now using anti-aging products, so they’re starting way too young,” said Dr. Carol Cheng, a pediatric dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. In recent months, she has seen some patients arrive for their appointments with “bags of products to make sure they’re optimizing what they’re doing.”

“They’re using things like vitamin C serums, salicylic acid, really expensive products that have actives that can actually harm their skin,” Cheng said, referring to active ingredients meant to address specific conditions such as wrinkles and dark spots. Such harsh chemicals, she added, can cause irritation, redness, burning, peeling and stinging.

At CatEye Beauty Skincare, a boutique day spa in San Diego, girls are bringing in pictures of Korean women with so-called glass skin — a Korean beauty trend that refers to a clear and luminous complexion — and saying, “I want my skin to look like this,” owner Catherine Noel said.

“I’ve had a couple girls come in with very wealthy parents and they wanted a pumpkin peel on their perfect face,” she said. “That would be something for a 35-year-old woman, not somebody who’s 12.”

Amid reports and videos of unsupervised Sephora Kids descending upon the stores en masse, wreaking havoc on product testers and harassing employees, longtime shoppers have taken to the retailer’s online community page to post complaints, including one thread proposing a ban on customers under 16.

“I know that Sephora has basically become the new Claire’s for kids, and buying Drunk Elephant products that are full of actives and retinoids that are harmful to [kids’] skin is the latest Gen Alpha trend, but the testers are getting destroyed,” one customer wrote. “Everything from kids mixing skincare and makeup testers together to make ‘smoothies’ to opening new makeup packages and using them.”

The backlash hasn’t stopped Ashley Paige, Naiya White’s mom, from taking her to Sephora and Ulta Beauty a couple of times a month and filming their excursions for the more than 40,000 people who follow their joint TikTok page, @sparkleandchaos.

“Any video Naiya and I make at Sephora or Ulta, people have something to say,” Paige, 37, said in an interview with The Times. “But I feel like a lot of adults forget what it’s like to be a child.”

The duo’s first video, posted in January, addressed the backlash head-on, with Naiya instructing fellow Sephora Kids on how to behave politely in the stores.

“I heard they were about to ban testers because of us — that is not OK. Girls, clean up after yourselves,” she says in the video, which has been viewed more than 6 million times. “You need to be polite to all the people who work here, OK? You want a good rep, not a bad one.”

Industry professionals say an early introduction to skin care can be a positive thing if messaged correctly.

They’re steering young skin-care enthusiasts away from products with active ingredients and focusing instead on a minimalist approach centered on helping them develop healthy daily habits. The three basics, they say, are appropriate for any age: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer and a good sunscreen.

That’s generally the protocol that Naiya follows, albeit with some extra steps.

“In the morning, I like to use my Bubble face wash and my Bubble Cloud Surf moisturizer and my Bubble tinted sunscreen,” Naiya said. Bubble launched in 2020 as a Gen Z-oriented brand, with eye-catching packaging in vibrant colors and bold fonts, and quickly caught on with preteens as well.

“At night is when I use my Evereden kids multivitamin face wash and Evereden kids multivitamin face cream — it smells floral-y,” Naiya continued. “Sometimes I use toner. I also use the Aquaphor balm under my eyes to help with puffiness and stuff.”

Gen Alpha already wields significant spending power and is expected to become an economic force in the coming years. Companies of all kinds are developing new products to appeal to the demographic, which is growing rapidly with more than 2.8 million children born globally every week. By the end of the year, they will number nearly 2 billion — the largest generation ever, according to McCrindle Research, which is credited with coining the term.

Ulta Beauty, which operates more than 1,400 stores in all 50 states, said that in response to greater interest among Gen Alpha, it has “expanded our offerings to include simplified, dermatologist-approved products designed for younger skin.” In its most recent fiscal year, total sales increased 9.8% to $11.2 billion, with skin care accounting for 19% of company revenue, up from 17% the year prior.

“We do not proactively promote skin care to Gen Alpha,” a spokesperson said. “As more younger shoppers engage with us, we focus on guiding them — and their parents — toward informed choices” including educational resources, ingredient-based guidance and age-specific training for store associates.

That said, beauty companies are routinely teaming up with entertainment brands and toy makers to release kid-friendly limited-edition collections.

Ulta Beauty this month launched two partnerships: an assortment of makeup, skin-care and hair-care items tied to the November release of Universal Pictures’ movie musical “Wicked,” as well as a separate collection with Mini Brands, featuring tiny $9.99 replicas of many of the chain’s bestselling products.

“All your favorite beauty brands are now cuter and more collectible than ever with Mini Brands x Ulta Beauty!” the retailer’s website says. “With over 68 different minis to collect, every unboxing is a fun surprise!”

Bubble used similar playful language in its recent rollout of Bubble Charms, “the CUTEST way to accessorize your Tell All Lip Balm.” The lip balm “comes with an adorbz keychain” and “will make your crush text u back,” the company says on its website.

In May, Bubble announced a collaboration with Pixar tied to the release of “Inside Out 2,” an animated film about the roiling emotions of puberty that grossed $1.6 billion worldwide at the box office. The products included in the limited-edition Pixar collection were safe for all ages, Eisenman said.

Today Bubble has about 50,000 brand ambassadors who help promote the company, participate in its product testing program and receive special discounts and freebies; 20,000 of them are 13 to 18 years old. On Bubble’s website and social media posts, the company routinely highlights which products and practices are suitable for kids.

“Just cuz you saw it on TikTok doesn’t mean it’s right for your face!” reads the caption in a Bubble Instagram post this year that featured a three-step skin-care routine for customers under 13. “Great skincare can be super simple.”

“A lot of younger kids are using products that are inappropriate,” Eisenman said. “For us, one of the most important elements is to be a good force and an educating source in this space.”

At CatEye Beauty, owner Noel added a “teen facial with skincare lesson” to her list of services in March. The $120, 45-minute treatment is designed for people 11 to 15 years old and includes a double cleanse, mild exfoliation and, if necessary, extractions to clear out clogged pores.

“They still have baby skin,” she said. “I don’t like this trend of young girls coming in and using very expensive products, especially since they’re made for adults.”

Gen Alpha’s love of skin care is even prompting consternation among Gen Z.

At Larchmont Beauty Center on a recent Friday afternoon, eighth-grader Maren and her friend, Shiri, stopped in to pick up a pack of hair bands. The two are on the border of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, but consider themselves members of the older generation.

“Our generation is a lot more chill,” she said. “I feel like millennials are full-face and we’re just like, some makeup. And then the people younger than us are like: skin care.”

Calling the trend “a little freaky,” 14-year-old Maren said she knows of kids “who are like 9, and they’re doing the same stuff I’m doing.”

“It’s insane that like a 9-year-old who has perfect skin is doing a 12-step skin-care routine.”

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.