706 magazine fall 2025

FALL 2025

A Day at the Farm The legacy of Dry Creek’s agricultural hotspot: CM Farms

What’s Inside 05 06 07 09

Boo-tiful Craft Ideas Quick projects that will make this Halloween extra spooky.

Three Things

Ways to get out and about and fully enjoy Southwest Louisiana this autumn.

Tech Tip

How to use Artificial Intelligence — and how not to.

A Day at the Farm

CM Farms offers a blend of rural charm and entertainment for families.

Our Team Publisher Ron Prince

Editor Crystal Stevenson

Contributors Rodrick Anderson Emily Burleigh Ashlyn Little

Marketing & Sales

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Econ. 101

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Library Riot

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Gain a deeper understanding of national and personal debts.

How one local bar is changing Lake Charles’ nightlife scene.

People’s Choice

The best of the best of SWLA.

Stephanie Broussard Kim King

Cover Art CM Farms

H A L L O W E E N

H E L P

Boo-tiful craft ideas

By Metro Creative Services Similar to the holiday season, people often decorate their homes for Halloween, and even do so well in advance of late October to maximize the amount of time they get to enjoy the trinkets and other items. Many people enjoy getting hands-on for Halloween. Consider these ideas for Halloween projects:

Boo Treasure Box Purchase a wooden treasure chest or box from the hobby store. Paint it all black. Then add additional designs like spider webs, bats or pumpkins. Fill the box with treats or small toys. Kids can have fun picking out their treasures.

3D Pumpkins Carving pumpkins is a popular Halloween tradition. But there are many people who feel the job is too messy. Instead, a fun way to add personality to pumpkins comes by way of some hot glue and paint. Use a hot glue gun to create a pattern on the outside of the pumpkin.

It can be designs, a jack-o'-lantern face or just about anything. Once dry and hardened, use craft paint to go over the entire pumpkin. The raised design will be evident and add dimension.

Spooktacular Wreath Adorn the front door with something creative. It can be utterly frightening or something more festive. Start with a premade spring greenery wreath or a wreath frame that you cover with your own greenery. Purchase a round, unfinished wooden sign panel, and paint with black chalkboard paint. Add your own message with chalk or chalk paint."Keep Away" or "Enter at Your Own Risk" are great Halloween phrases to consider.

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Three Things

By Emily Burleigh

Three Events to look forward to this fall 1.Chuckfest On Saturday, Oct. 18, downtown Lake Charles will once again be the backdrop for the 11th annual Chuck Fest. Festivalgoers should expect a full line-up of talented Louisiana musicians.

2. Cyphacon Halloween Pub Crawl From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, the annual Cyphacon Halloween Pub Crawl returns to downtown Lake Charles. Costumed locals over the age of 21 will gather at Pujo Street Cafe and independently visit several local establishments, drinking special drinks along the way.

3. HERPS SWLA Exotic Reptile and Pet Show On Nov. 7 and 8 at the West Cale Event Center, 401 Arena Rd., thousands of reptiles, amphibians and small mammals will be waiting to be adopted.

Three Unique Fall dishes to try Three local coffee shops to get an autumnal drink

marshmallow meringue — like Thanksgiving

1. The Buzz Coffee and More

casserole reimagined as dessert.

The Buzz offers a variety of fall selections, including a cookie butter latte, a spice honey pear lattee and, of course, a pumpkin spice latte. The shop has two locations: 1530 E McNeese St. Suite 8 and 2635 Country Club Rd.

2. Apple Cranberry Torte with Oatmeal Crust This rustic torte wraps tart apples and

2. Stellar Beans

until golden and bubbling.

The beloved downtown coffee shop Stellar Beans has two unique seasonal drinks that can be served hot, iced or frozen: The autumn eclipse and the moonbeam dream.

3. Krew’s Books and Brews This combination bookstore and coffeeshop has curated several fall specials for the upcoming season: caramel apple, apple pie, pretty pumpkin, peanut butter mocha and smores (to name a few), in addition to chai options.

The shop is located at 1413 W Prien Lake Rd.

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1. Sweet Potato Sheet Cake with Marshmallow Frosting A spiced sweet potato cake topped with torched

cranberry sauce in a buttery oat crust, baked

3. Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage and Leek Oil Creamy risotto infused with roasted squash, garlic, and sage, finished with a drizzle of aromatic leek oil and maple-glazed pecans.

tech tip Dr. Steven Dabelow, Ph.D Information Systems Technology Instructor Sowela Technical Community College

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et’s face it - AI is everywhere. But instead of debating its existence, let’s talk about how to use it effectively to enhance your work. AI is a tool that’s reshaping how we work, learn, and create. This article isn’t about hype; it’s about how to use AI practically and responsibly to improve your papers, presentations, and creative projects.

There are quite a few generative AI platforms out there now: ChatGPT (OpenAI), Copilot (Microsoft), Grok (X), and Gemini (Google). Each one serves a similar purpose: to help generate and brainstorm ideas to enhance your work and life.

I talked a little bit about ethical use of AI in the past but here’s a reminder: Be transparent about its use in your company and consider attributing AI when it meaningfully contributes to a project.

Additionally, remember that academic integrity doesn’t just apply to schools, but also workplaces.

Your company may even have its’ own policy on AI usage. Also, avoid sharing sensitive or proprietary data with AI tools unless you're sure the platform complies with your organization’s privacy and security standards.

So, you’ve pulled up one of the dozens of generative AI and you understand the potential consequences of using AI in a bad way. What now?

Well, there’s a few things to consider before you implement whatever the AI responds with.

Prompt Engineering One of the most important things to understand (aside from avoiding “copy-pasta”) is how to design a “well-written prompt”. What does that mean? It means providing details that help the AI to have a better understanding of what you are looking for.

Asking AI Good Questions For example, don’t simply ask AI something like this: “Please make some slides for me”. Instead, try something like this: “I’m working on our next board presentation to the executives at ABC Oil. What would be a good structure for a PowerPoint presentation that I should follow and what might be some good points for me to consider/discuss as I go through my presentation.”

Providing additional contents and background information is crucial when using AI to assist in brainstorming. (Just be sure to redact any confidential material like personal information.) You don’t need to go overboard with the details, but this helps lead the AI to arrive at reasonable and helpful results.

If you’re vague, you may get a vague/incorrect response. Here’s a TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) of how to write good prompts: Be specific about your audience and purpose. Include format expectations (e.g., “3-paragraph summary” or “bullet points”). Ask for alternatives or comparisons to broaden ideas.

Using AI for Papers, Presentation and Code

Starting off, don’t simply just copy and paste whatever the AI creates without actually reading it first. AI can hallucinate, so you need to make sure that the thing that the AI responds with is accurate.

In particular, check where it gets the information.

You can do that by either (a) looking at the responses citations, and/or (b) asking the AI to provide citations for the response.

Do also note that AI tools are trained on large datasets, which means they can sometimes reflect societal biases or outdated information. Always apply your own judgment which means they can sometimes reflect societal biases or outdated

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information. Always apply your own judgment.

Additionally, AI generated reports tend to use verbiage that most people don’t use, be dry, repetitive, use bullet points, and other forms of writing styles that can lead to red flags use.

Instead, you should try to use AI more as a brainstorming tool. AI can be incredibly useful to help with that writer’s block and get you back on track. Using AI to generate ideas instead of entire reports also helps you avoid copying and pasting, since you’ll still have to write the report yourself.

You can also use AI to help translate things into “other languages”. For example, I’ve been rewriting the IRB policy for SOWELA, so I’ve been using Copilot to help me translate what I want to say into “legalese”. You can also use AI to help beef up the content of your papers. I actually used Copilot to enhance the original draft of this article!

However, you should be aware that you may get some pushback if you use AI for the arts. (Some people even believe that AI belongs in the 9th circle of Dante’s Inferno.) Thus, as I said earlier, if you do decide to use AI for design, be transparent about it. Some people may still be upset, but you’ll likely have fewer people chasing you down with torches and pitchforks than if they find out you used AI and you did not tell them ahead of time.

Final Thoughts. AI can be extremely helpful in enhancing your work, but you need to be aware that it is still a computer; in other words, it only knows what you tell it. The less background nformation you provide it, the lower the quality the response may be. Be transparent, emphasize protecting information, and ensure that the response is correct. Avoid copying and pasting, and use AI to help you brainstorm and enhance your work, not to do your work.

Using AI for Images, Video and Audio On the other hand, if you are generating something like an image using AI, it might not be a half bad idea to include a “watermark” showing that the image/media was generated using AI. As an example, I wrote a report for a professorship and used an AI generated image for the cover page. In the bottom left of the image, I added Copilot’s logo to indicate that the image is AIgenerated Again, provide some context for the AI so that it has a better idea as to what you are looking for.

337-309-1487 www.cat5fishingchartersla.com

But it’s not just limited to making fancy pictures; some people even use AI to help write poetry, generate music, or even simulate historical conversations for educational purposes.

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Inshore • Saltwater • Light Tackle Fishing

A DAY AT THE

FARM

By Ashlyn Little When Jackie and Chuck Melsheimer opened CM Farms in the fall of 2009, they had no idea how big it would become. The farm was originally located in Reeves for its first two years and was then moved to its present location in Dry Creek in 2011.

“I could've never imagined in 2009 where we’re at now,” Jackie said.

“We have the absolute best customers that come, the best employees that help us get everything done — without them we couldn't do it.”

Their twins, Chris and Allison, were only 9 when they started the business. Now they’re both 25 and managers — along with Chris’ wife, Meredith.

Jackie — who comes from a family of watermelon growers — said the idea for CM Farms was inspired while she was attending a fruit and vegetable growers’ conference in Mississippi. At the conference, one of the speakers talked about their corn maze. Jackie said she had never even heard of a corn maze but began entertaining the idea of starting one for the community.

“There’s a huge disconnect with adults and children — with agriculture and animals and where their food comes from — and so we thought maybe we can make that connection,” she said.

The farm began as a fall-only concept then began

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offering activities in the spring to tie in with Easter and the strawberry-picking season. Eventually, the weekends before and after Thanksgiving were added to the schedule for Christmas events — including visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.

CM Farms also has plenty to do for the adults, as well — such as touring the antique farm house or browsing for T-shirts, jellies and gifts at the Country Store. There is also a Sweet Shoppe filled with fudge, kettle corn, roasted and glazed nuts, and candy — all made right on the farm.

Jackie said the family atmosphere and the chance to step away from technology as a whole are two reasons to visit the farm.

“The extreme milkshakes have become really popular.

They come in four different flavors — strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream and we decorate the top with whipped cream, sprinkles and more,” she said.

It’s a place to enjoy “your family and your time without the hustle and bustle and craziness of the world,” she said. “It’s where the kids can run around and play and not have to worry about someone doing something to them. It’s just a family atmosphere and family place.”

Jackie said when she and daughter Allison arrived home from the 2009 Mississippi conference, she immediately contacted the corn maze design company mentioned by the main speakers and hired them to create one in Southwest Louisiana. The turnaround was quick. The idea came in March; the farm opened in October.

“The first year we had a small corn maze and a few activities — a wagon ride and a barrel train. It went well, considering we were new and we were small and nobody even heard of a corn maze around here at that time," Melsheimer said.

Now as CM Farms has grown, so has the list of its offerings — a 12-acre corn maze, wagon rides, a corn barn where guests can play in loose corn, pony rides, paint ball, laser tag, face painting, zipline, barrel train, jumping pillow and an animal-feeding station.

“The corn barn is filled with loose deer corn where the kids can play,” she said. “It’s like a giant sandbox but instead of sand, it’s corn.

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Iced lattes and donuts will also be added to the menu this fall. That’s in addition to the foot-long corndogs and hotdogs, pizza, pulled pork sandwiches and monster mac and cheese at the farm’s “Calf’e.”

“A half-pound bacon cheeseburger with our brand branded onto the bun is also new this year,” she said.

CM Farms also has a large pavilion with picnic tables where families can gather — and pumpkins galore.

“There are tons of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and tons of fall-themed photo opportunities with pumpkins or with new murals for this year,” she said.

The corn maze has a different theme each year, usually pertaining to the farm. Last year’s theme was Charlie Brown. This year’s theme is Lainey Wilson. CM Farms will be one of 36 farms across the United States and Canada inviting guests to “Get Lost with Lainey” in their corn maze this year. Each maze is a little different, no two are the same.

“This year we’re doing Lainey Wilson because she’s a Louisiana girl herself,” Jackie said.

“Growing up on a fifth-generation farm in Louisiana, my country roots run deep and I’m honored to be a part of

Pictured are, back row from left, JT, Chuck and Chris and, front row, Allison holding Charlie, Jackie holding the family dog, Peter, and Meredith. something that brings more people out to the farms to create memories and experience a little bit of what I grew up with,” Wilson said in a news release of being featured in the 36 corn mazes. “I was blessed to be raised playing in the dirt, riding in the tractor and helping my daddy grow corn - I could never have imagined I’d be carved into a corn maze one day myself.”

This year’s opening will be on Sept. 27 with the theme “Hometown Heroes.” The local fire department, Acadian Ambulance, Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement officers will be present with firetrucks and police units and will give demonstrations to children about what they do. “This is our way of showcasing what all that they do for us,” she said.

Jackie said the farm allows her family to work together and be together.

“This is what anybody can dream for — to have a business that your kids are involved in and you to get to spend all this time together as a part of your daily lives,” she said.

“We truly are a family farm.”

CM Farms is wheelchair accessible for all to enjoy. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.cmfarmsllc.com. The farm is open on the weekends for the public and during the week for field trips.

CM Farms is located at 252 CM Farms Road in Dry Creek.

For information, call 337-328-8916.

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ECON 101

By Dr. Akm Rahman Professor and Interim Associate Dean McNeese College of Business Incurrences of debt are inherently a matter of budgeting, both at the governmental and personal levels. In the budgeting process, the government first determines annual expenditure and then mobilizes revenues for financing. In contrast, individuals determine expenditures based on their monthly net take-home pays.

Recurrence of government annual budget deficit is a universally common phenomenon all over the world. Such recurrences add up to swelling national debts. To cite a few most recent glaring examples, in 2024, the US outstanding national debt was 128% of annual national income ($29.8 trillion). It was 237% of annual national income ($4.25 trillion) in Japan, 63.9% of annual national income ($4.66 trillion) in Germany, and 88.3% of annual national income ($18.7 trillion) in China.

To finance their annual budgets, governments have to mobilize tax revenue, which is often insufficient to cover total expenditures. The shortfall is financed by selling bonds at home and abroad. Persistent deficit financing accumulates national debt. For example, the US paid $1.133 trillion (3.9% of $29.18 trillion), which is not alarming yet, as long as it remains below 5%, the globally accepted norm.

The above trend should not be perpetual to forestall the unleashing of destructive economic forces. Restoration of budget discipline is the exigency of the hour. This requires higher mobilization of tax revenue or the reduction of directly unproductive public expenditures, or a combination of both. They may be politically risky. The risk is worth taking to mitigate potential economic contraction down the road.

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of Tidbits national and personal debts The US economy is primarily consumptiondriven. Total consumption spending alone currently constitutes over 70% of US annual national income. In other words, consumers hold the key of the US economy. National debt indicates underproduction and overconsumption. To shrink the gap to reduce perennial import-dependency, it is essential to boost domestic output and to cut wasteful government expenditures. Pragmatic and prudent macroeconomic policies to be in order.

Higher tariffs and currency depreciation may help reduce budget and trade gaps in the short run. To note, tariff and currency wars are both inflationary and contractionary in the long run. There are no ultimate winners in such wars.

Synergy and productivity improvement are the first-best solutions. However, national debt need not always be destructive. Proper repurposing and improving allocative as well as utilization efficiencies of borrowed capital may turn to be constructive and expansionary.

In the USA, on average, US households pay 30% of gross income in Federal, State and Local taxes in various forms. So, they have control over 70% of gross income to spend and save. Those who overspend have to incur personal debt. To the contrary, those who underspend and live within their means are able to save. Overspending for excess enjoyment today has a cost to pay tomorrow.

Savers make some sacrifices today for a better living tomorrow.

The total household debt amounted to $18.04 trillion in 2024. Out of it, the total credit card debt alone stood at $1.18 trillion (6.55%).

Borrowings are never without costs hurting the future economic well-being of families. To note, average interest rate on outstanding unpaid credit card balances is exorbitantly high at 22%.

As a rule of thumb, households’ monthly installment debt repayment exceeding 42% of net take-home pay is too high leading to future potential financial crisis for families. Every household should save 10% - 20% each month by controlling non-essential expenses and keeping conspicuous consumption in checks. In simple words, balance your checkbook every month for household financial discipline.

Painstakingly, the very poor who have no access to formal banking services to borrow depend on weekly or biweekly payday loans against their next paychecks. In the USA, 10-12 million households depend on such loans. The annual compounded effective interest rates vary from 250% to 350% for these un-bankable households.

This is a vicious circle for them and cannot get out of abject poverty-trap. The challenge is to make them bankable by promoting financial literacy among them.

Savings is also largely a cultural issue. In the rest of the world, the average savings rate is around 20%, while that in the USA is barely 5% or so. In Southeast Asia, it is discernibly much higher than

20%. In their culture, ‘savings is a virtue and extravaganza is a sin’.

In economics, ‘Is it good or bad?’ for a country is a still debatable issue. In closing, excessive personal debt like uncontrollable fire may burn down a family. Factually, how much money is spent beyond family budget for current comfort is not important. More important is how wisely money is used staying within the limited monthly household net income. In this context, budgeting should be based on what we need, not what we want.

In economics, ‘Is it good or bad?’ for a country is a still debatable issue. In closing, excessive personal debt like uncontrollable fire may burn down a family. Factually, how much money is spent beyond family budget for current comfort is not important. More important is how wisely money is used staying within the limited monthly household net income. In this context, budgeting should be based on what we need, not what we want.

Have a Riot

By Crystal Stevenson

Jamie Meiburg, owner and operator of Library Riot, is not a newcomer to the world of nightlife. He started in the bar business at 18 for the original Rikenjak's, serving as the doorman, "cleaning guy" and bar back before working his way up to management. He went on to supervise Micci's, My Place American Pub and Big Kahuna's, as well.

Over 20 years in the business, he built up a stellar reputation around the city before taking the next step in his career — the founding of his own bar.

“There was a gap in the market,” he said. “There’s plenty of nightclub scenes that are party bars but not something for the rest of us — the kind of bars that are geared more toward fun, interesting events, things people 21-40 would want to go to that doesn’t involve anything too over the top. We wanted to make sure everyone has their own space."

By social media consensus Library Riot has done just that, filling a vital need for a truly inclusive space for gathering and artistic creation.

"When a really great comes together and you see exactly how thrilled and how happy everyone and the relationship it creates with them, it's an absolutely thrill," he said. "It's very fulfilling when you know you've created experiences that people cherish and constantly refer back to. There is nothing like."

amie Meiburg, owner and operator of Library Riot, is not a newcomer to the world of nightlife. He started in the bar business at 18 for the original Rikenjak's, serving as the doorman, "cleaning guy" and bar back before working his way up to management.

He went on to supervise Micci's, My Place American Pub and Big Kahuna's, as well.

Over 20 years in the business, he built a stellar reputation around the city before taking the next step in his career — the founding of his own bar.

“There was a gap in the market,” he said. “There’s plenty of nightclub scenes, there’s party bars, but not something for the rest of us — the kind of bars that are geared more toward fun, interesting events, things people 21-40 would want to go to that doesn’t involve anything too over the top. We wanted something for people like us who wanted to enjoy a night out, have an awesome time, but also have a shared, fun experience.”

By social media consensus Library Riot has done just that, filling a vital need for a truly inclusive space for gathering and artistic creation.

How one local bar is transforming Lake Charles’ nightlife

"When a really great event comes together and you see exactly how thrilled and how happy everyone is and the relationship it creates with them, it's an absolute thrill," he said. "It's very fulfilling when you know you've created experiences that people cherish and constantly refer back to. There is nothing like it."

Among such events have been Pink Pony Club, Emo Night, Harry Potter Trivia and LC Comedy Presents.

“We look at things that are relevant and popular that’s worth doing and we take it and make it our own and keep it in a fun, safe, inviting atmosphere — kind of roll the whole recipe together.”

Meiburg said emo — a music genre and subculture that originated in the mid-1980s with rock sounds like grunge, goth and alternative rock — is the new “classic rock.” “ ‘Mustang Sally’ was really popular 20 years ago because 35-year-olds grew up on that,” he said. “Well, 35-year-olds now grew up on My Chemical Romance and Blink 182 and Green Day. Those are the new ‘classics’ and people

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back in business,” Meiburg said. “Now the business is better than ever. We cannot be more thrilled for it.”

It was the second forced rebuild for Meiburg and business partner Christine Blocker. Library Riot had previously been located next to Martini’s on Ryan Street. That building was destroyed five years ago during Hurricane Laura.

Now the bar is located further up Ryan Street, neighboring Runte Cleaners.

Safe space who still want to go have a great time, that’s what they want to hear. They want that nostalgia and what they remember from their 20s and teens.”

Meiburg said it was important to him and Blocker to create a safe space — particularly for those in the LGBTQ+ community — when they created Library Riot.

Meiburg said the comedy open mic nights that Library Riot hosts on Thursdays are “absolutely magical.”

“My entire life I have been an ally and we don’t really have that many places in town that raise that flag so people knew we existed,” he said. “Crystal’s was the definitive safe space, but now it’s gone. We are actually at this moment trying to get a dedicated LGBTQ bar in town. That is our active mission.”

“It’s great hearing new material from local talent and those play into our weekend comedy features, which always feature out-of-town and touring comedians,” he said.

Meiburg said the name “Library Riot” was born “somewhat out of necessity.”

“The ‘library’ part we always wanted to keep because we always wanted the feel, the tone, the looks of a library but with a party atmosphere — contradictory in its own way,” he said. “Library Bar was already taken so our wonderful trademark lawyer from the UK showed us terms we could use and one of them was ‘riot.’ I asked him what would that portray and he said a ‘riot’ for them is more or less a roaring party, so Library Riot really means library party — we definitely leaned into that.”

Tornado recovery Library Riot — which celebrated its third anniversary in May — had a scary start when it switched locations just over a year ago. In April of 2024, the business was heavily damaged by an EF-2 tornado that had 155 mile-per-hour winds.

The severe weather took out windows, doors, flooring, siding and brick columns — along with a pool table, booths, vending machine and some tables.

“We had a lot of outpouring of friends and regulars coming out and helping us get back on our feet and

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Meiburg said Pink Pony Club Night — a “glitterdrenched, rhinestone cowpoke glam” event held in August — was a “wonderful night that was packed out with lots of love, energy, acceptance and lots of pinkness.”

The night featured drag performances, dancing and live music. “It was a beautiful, accepting night.”

Nightlife calendar Library Riot offers karaoke every Monday and Tuesday; comedy on Thursdays; and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

“For me and Christine for the last 20 years, this has been our lives, this is what we do, this is our passion,” he said. “We’ve always enjoyed and loved bar venues but we wanted to create a space that was just for us and we know people out there who enjoy what we enjoy. Turns out there is A LOT of people who enjoy this vibe, this style that we offer. “ Meiburg said he and Blocker are always trying to innovate and come up with new cocktails and new types of events. They are now creating a speakeasy in the back where they will offer acoustic sessions and pop-ups like speed dating.

Taking a pause from the daily grind

By Metro Creative Services Stress affects just about everyone. The American Institute of Stress estimates 80 percent of adults in the United States experience stress on a regular basis. Worldwide, the World Health Organization reports that more than 75 percent of adults experience stress at some point in their lives.

Health woes, employment, politics, and negative news all can contribute to people feeling stressed. So can engaging in a daily routine that elicits the “Groundhog Day” effect, or when each day seems like a carbon copy of the one before.

Finding ways to take a break from a daily routine can help individuals become happier and healthier Think about a new job If work obligations are eating into personal time and responsibilities are growing exponentially, it might be time to seek a new path that offers a

better work-life balance.

Focus on self-care People need to dedicate time for activities that help them unwind, such as meditation, yoga, reading, or taking a walk outside. Just a few minutes of self-care each day can help.

Individuals can incorporate some deep-breathing exercises into a lunch hour or use time after dinner to stroll the neighborhood with the dog or family to decompress.

Make time for hobbies Individuals can treat hobbies and other interests just as they would personal or work obligations.

Add time for hobbies to your daily calendar and assign them the same significance as work-related tasks.

Prioritize exercise The Mayo Clinic says exercise can alleviate stress and release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Exercise also can clear the brain by helping a person focus on movements instead of worries.

Make exercise a non-negotiable component of daily life. Taking the stairs, walking to work or school, parking further away from stores in parking lots, and doing little bursts of activity several times a day can ensure exercise becomes part of the routine.

Utilize personal and sick time Many people are letting their vacation and other personal days go to waste. A 2023 survey released by the fintech lending firm Sorbet found that 62 percent of American workers with personal time off (PTO) did not use it all. Plus, 5.5 percent did not take any time off the previous year.

Fears of falling behind and pressures to appear dedicated are driving these behaviors. According to the invoicing company Skynova, the average American takes 14 days off from work a year while Europeans take 24 days. Using all personal time is definitely a way to take a break from the daily grind.

It is important to take breaks from routine to recharge and enjoy a different outlook on life.

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READING NOOK Reviews by Calcasieu Parish Librarians

The Puzzler Author: A.J. Jacobs

Review by Sheryl Chaisson

I love puzzles. I can’t – won’t – deny that. I enjoy solving them, and I even enjoy creating them.

After finishing a book (or two) about the history of crossword puzzles, I found a read-alike suggestion for “The Puzzler” by A.J. Jacobs. The book promised to cover more than crosswords, and I was definitely intrigued.

A.J. Jacobs is also a puzzle fan. A big one. He loves talking to people about puzzles as much as he loves solving them. In the book, Jacob covers the history of different types while also interviewing experts and other enthusiasts. He learns about some of the most challenging stumpers out there and tries his hand at as many as he can. From anagrams to mazes to the Rubik’s Cube, he leaves no enigma unexplored.

Jacobs also looks at the psychology of why people love puzzles so much.

He, and many others, posit that the joy in puzzling comes from the act of solving and not the solution itself.

The reader gets to test that theory courtesy of puzzles included.

The Abundance of Less Author: Andy Couturierk

Review by Sheryl

Close your eyes and take a moment to imagine what a truly "rich" life looks like to you. Many have begun to wonder if there is more to this life than working, consuming, and staying bound to the never-ending hedonistic treadmill. “The Abundance of Less” explores the lives of 20 people who chose to live with less things despite the world bombarding us with the message that collecting more “stuff” is not only a status symbol but also the gold standard.

In his book, Couturier profiles a mix of artists, authors, engineers, philosophers, and others who moved away from mainstream society in urban Japan to live surrounded by nature and enjoy the simple indulgences of friends, family, delicious food, art, as well as the luxury of something we are often short on in modern society....TIME. Couturier has written a quietly moving book that feels like a conversation with a down-to-earth friend. The stories gently encourage readers to imagine their lives without clutter and with less stress.

Review by Katie

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