Emmanuel Tabernacle in Christ, Bolton, Mississippi Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Emmanuel Tabernacle in Christ warmly welcomes individuals from all walks of life to join its close-knit congregation. Located at 1752 Lyon's Road, Bolton, Mississippi, this small country church is dedicated to glorifying God through worship, fellowship, and service to the community. Under the leadership of Bishop Bettye J. Ervin, Emmanuel Tabernacle offers a range of weekly services designed to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Sunday mornings begin with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., followed by an inspiring worship service at 11:00 a.m. Additional gatherings include Monday night prayer, Wednesday night Bible class, and Friday night Evangelistic services, all starting at 7:00 p.m. Each session features heartfelt music, prayer, and thought-provoking messages that encourage spiritual growth. The church is not only a place of worship but also a pillar of support for the local community. Emmanuel Tabernacle provides a warm and inclusive environment where individuals can find hope, healing, and purpose. Its mission to unite people as one family under God is reflected in its outreach and acts of service. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance, a sense of belonging, or an opportunity to serve, Emmanuel Tabernacle in Christ invites you to experience the love of Christ in action. For more details, visit their official website or attend one of their vibrant services. Bishop Dr. Bettye J. Ervin, Presiding Prelate

Send responses to:   andybowman839@gmail.com Do. Not. Give. Up.  Giving up creates hopelessness. And hopelessness creates a huge black hole of depression and deadness in you. When you quit caring about anything in life, you stop living, even though your heart continues beating. Living in hopelessness means having to keep walking a step at a time when you don’t have a destination that even matters anymore. There is no food to listlessly put on your fork and carry into your mouth that will give you a rush of pleasure. No amount of sleep will relieve you from the aimlessness and dread of facing each new day. There is no sparkling sunshine and perfect temperature outside that will even really register on your dulled brain. You start to live life as if you are simply not alive. Hopelessness also opens up an entire new bag of potential physical ailments. The medical field tells us that stress in itself is not a bad thing. Your body and mind thrive on contemplating possibilities and problems you need to solve - when you convince yourself to feel confident that it will all work out in the end. But dis-stress is the actual problem, when you allow yourself to give in to the belief that you have no way of winning. The human body and mind take a very dim view of you deciding there is no hope in sight, and they tend to let you know they disapprove. In ways that you can’t miss. But how does a person avoid hopelessness, when your world has slid slowly but definitely downward and you are afraid there is no way back up? When someone dear to you tragically dies?  When the business that you poured your entire life into abruptly shatters into splinters, leaving you with nothing but debts and painful memories? When you drastically and permanently lose your good health? When life no longer feels like you are living. Know this : You have to make a choice, a very definite, firm, conscious choice. A choice to not let yourself sink into that seducing, sucking, tempting hole of hopelessness. That is the first step. Realize this:  Unless you decide to commit suicide, you HAVE no choice but to keep living. You have to find a way to keep living. So, 1) grieve your loss, fully. Then 2) look for some small interest that will at the least help you stay existing each new day, until finally you can 3) grasp at a new beginning. One that will allow you to start over and give you a real reason to walk, to eat, to laugh, to make plans. Hang on in faith:  You have to tell yourself that countless others have walked this same road, you can do it also. Although it looks impossible, you will find a way with time. That God really is in your corner, He wants to help you survive what this broken world has thrown at you and to keep walking.

By: Kara Kimbrough Chicken parmesan at Mario's Italian in Hattiesburg, pictured here, is one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. While I don't have the exact recipe, the printed recipe is similar to the ingredients used in Mario's dish and is quick and easy to make. I often hear from readers who fall into different categories: 1. They don’t cook, but instead, rely primary on restaurant or takeout meals; 2. They’re proficient home cooks and chefs who prefer preparing their own meals; and 3. Traveling the country and world is a favorite pastime, so they enjoy hearing about my travels. In an effort to make everyone happy, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite finds that may appeal to home cooks, regular restaurant patrons and travelers (and some may fit into more than one category).   Here are a few of my favorite restaurant meals, supermarket finds and travel products of 2024 - I'm hoping you may enjoy experiencing a few for yourself in 2025: Chobani Creations Greek Yogurt with Dessert Flavors   - I’ve “tried” (emphasis on tried) to eat healthier this year, including choosing healthy yogurt as a snack instead of my favorite potato chips. Making the choice even easier this year is this brilliant product from Chobani. It combines all the benefits of yogurt with the delicious flavors of apple pie à la mode, bananas Foster, cherry cheesecake and mocha tiramisu. Even better than the taste is that it's made with natural ingredients and real fruit, but no artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. And, each container comes with 10 grams of protein. Safe Catch Wild Pink Salmon  – Salmon is always on the list of the world's healthiest foods, but I’ve always been a little leery of its high mercury content if eaten on a regular basis. This year, I tried the canned products and learned they contain the lowest mercury level of any salmon brand. It’s safe for children, pregnant woman and others with compromised immune systems. Safe Catch hand selects and tests every single salmon to insure its mercury limit is 25 times lower than the FDA’s recommended limit. Oh and here’s the best part: it’s the freshest, best-tasting salmon I’ve ever sampled. Krog’s Scout Travel Luggage Tag  – After having several luggage tags either cut or pulled off during airline travel, I ditched the flimsy pieces of faux leather and switched to the “world’s smartest luggage tag.” Scout Travel stores my contact details digitally in the sturdy tag that easily attaches to my luggage. My personal information is accessible if necessary via a QR code but is not "out there" for strangers to view.  And, it pairs with my Apple iPhone’s "Find My" app, allowing me to track my belongings at all times. Scout Travel also features a motion-sensitive alarm, providing an extra layer of security. Pacific Foods’ Organic Bone Broth  - Speaking of healthy eating lists, you might have noticed the addition of bone broth on many of them. I’d never used it until this year, but now that I’ve discovered Pacific Food’s version made from non-GMO, organic-certified ingredients like unsalted chicken and beef cooked with vegetables, herbs and cider vinegar, I may never go back to regular broth. With 9 grams of protein per serving, I feel good about adding it to soups, stews, casseroles and other dishes. Sugar Pop Baking Co. in Waveland  - It might seem odd that this small, unassuming bakery and restaurant with a limited menu made the list this year, but once you experience it, you’ll understand why. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s in the Ground Zero Museum, which showcases the damage done by and reconstruction after  Katrina. Or, it could be due to the building's architecture harkening back to a bygone era. Actually, I believe it’s the amazing cakes and pastries created by the talented owner and staff as well as the delicious smash burgers and other sandwiches served at lunch. Experience it yourself the next time you’re on the Gulf Coast. Check out the website to see photos of some of their creative offerings and learn about hours of operation and specials at: sugarpopbakingco.com . Tyson Restaurant Style Crispy Wings  – Every now and then,  a craving for crispy wings can't be denied. This new frozen product is the perfect antidote. As someone who doesn’t like heavy breading or wings with soft, chewy skin, this product fits the bill. The ultra-crispy wings come in a variety of flavors; my favorite is rotisserie-seasoned. Bigelow Green Tea with Elderberry  – I love a mug of hot tea in the afternoon, but preferred a fruit-flavored version like peach, blueberry and apple. Despite its high nutrient content, I’ve never cared for the taste of green tea. After reading just how good green tea is for the body (improvements in brain/cognitive health, heart, inflammation, digestive, blood sugar, stress, skin and with a hearty dose of antioxidants for good measure) I decided to give it another try. Thankfully, I ran across a green tea flavored with a hint of berry and other woodsy flavors.  makes. It makes drinking a daily glass of the healthy tea much more palatable. Favorite restaurant meals of 2024  -  I was fortunate to sample a delicious array of meals at home in Mississippi, in nearby states and in New York City. A few memorable dishes included: chicken parmesan and garlic rolls at Mario’s Italian in Hattiesburg; pancakes with blueberries and maple syrup at Bubby’s in New York City; Italian meatballs at Teatro Bistro and chili at Tolbert’s Chili Parlor, both in Grapevine, Texas; shrimp po-boy and gumbo at Taranto’s in Biloxi and shrimp cocktail at Grand Central Station’s Oyster Bar in NYC. Yes, 2024 was a great year for supermarkets, restaurants and travel, but I have a feeling this year will be equally memorable. Email me with your favorites in these three categories. I’ll do my best to try them out in the coming year. Happy New Year! Most Used Recipe of 2024:  Easy Chicken Parmesan 4 boneless chicken breast halves Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2  large eggs1 cup panko bread crumbs, or more as needed ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or more if needed ½ cup olive oil for frying, or as needed 1 cup prepared tomato sauce (more to taste) ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes¼ cup chopped fresh basil ½ cup grated provolone cheese 2 teaspoons olive oil      Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy freezer bag on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/2-inch.      Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides.     Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside. Mix bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl, set aside. Dip a flour-coated chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer breast to the bread crumb mixture, pressing crumbs into both sides. Repeat for each breast. Let chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes.     Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken in the hot oil until golden, about 2 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.     Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2-3 tablespoons tomato sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and provolone cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over top and drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.    Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly and chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes.  Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkrpco@yahoo.com .

Officials at Itawamba Community College (ICC) have announced the honors list for the Fall 2024 semester, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. The honors list is divided into categories based on grade point average, highlighting the dedication and hard work of students across various disciplines. Among those recognized is Brice D. Nunnery of Bolton, Mississippi , who earned a spot on the Dean’s List. This distinction is reserved for students with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79. ICC’s honors list serves as a testament to the college’s commitment to academic excellence and the success of its students.

Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Democratic Representative from Mississippi Bennie Thompson. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI Recently, President Joe Biden announced Congressman Benny G. Thompson (MS-02) will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal. The Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, is awarded to citizens of the United States who have performed admirable deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. "I am honored to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Biden. From my time as a student in Mississippi at Tougaloo College to the halls of Congress, including my time as Chairman of the Select Committee to investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol, I have had an unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending democracy. Throughout my nearly six decades as a public servant, whether on the local or federal level, I have worked to ensure that democratic principles work for all Americans, not just a select few." President Biden will conduct the Presidential Citizens Medal presentation in the East Room of The White House Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST/4:00 PM CST. To view the Presidential Citizens Medal presentation, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov/live .

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) has been notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory that poultry from a commercial broiler chicken flock in Copiah County, Mississippi has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. Samples from the flock were tested at the Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with avian influenza in birds remains low. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution. SITUATION:  The State Veterinarian has quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock have not entered the food system. The MBAH is working closely with federal animal health officials in Mississippi on a joint incident response. The MBAH is actively working with the poultry industry to increase monitoring of flocks statewide. This finding is the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in Mississippi since the spring of 2023. Since November, HPAI has been detected in migratory waterfowl in multiple areas of Mississippi. The poultry industry was notified and put on high alert to increase biosecurity and surveillance for HPAI. REPORTING:  Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity and be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death in birds in the MBAH Online Reporting Form https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/MBAHReportablePublic/birddeathlanding . Information will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Mississippi for assessment. Dead birds should be double‐bagged and refrigerated for possible testing. Precautions should be taken when handling sick or dead birds including proper handwashing, using gloves, wearing masks, and sanitation of surfaces that come into contact with sick or dead birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza to people. Avian influenza in birds can cause sudden death; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. A resource for backyard bird health information is online at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources . Biosecurity information and resources can be found by visiting: https://www.mbah.ms.gov/biosecurity/ . UPDATES and INFORMATION:  Situation updates and status reports about ongoing avian influenza activities in Mississippi, along with critical disease‐related information, will be posted online at:  https://www.hpai.ms.gov/ .

By: Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB             Like many critics, I despised the 2019 CGI version of “The Lion King.” The new animation was ugly and the rehashing of the story from the 1994 classic without many changes made the whole thing seem unnecessary. But unlike many critics, I’m not ready to throw prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King” away just because of the sins of its predecessor. I’m not saying that it’s not still inextricably tied to the 2019 film, especially with its still-terrible CGI animation, but the story and characters can do some roaming on their own that makes for a breath of fresh air.             The film opens with Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) going away on some adult lion business and leaving their cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) in the care of comic relief meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). A storm is approaching, Kiara is scared, and Timon and Pumbaa’s danger-fraught stories aren’t helping. Wizened mandril Rafiki (John Kani), an old friend of the family, steps in and tells Kiara a story about her grandfather Mufasa’s bravery so that she won’t just be soothed, she’ll be inspired to be brave herself going forward. The framing device isn’t a bad idea in and of itself, and Kiara is important to the future of this world with the Circle of Life and all that, but Timon and Pumbaa are nothing but grating here. Their tired, lowbrow schtick gets the movie off to such a bad start and causes so many unwelcome interruptions that frankly I can understand why some people think they’re a deal-breaker for the entire film.             Fortunately, things pick up once the movie commits to the story of Mufasa (voiced as a cub by Braelyn and Brielle Rankins). A flood took him away from his parents (Anika Noni Rose and Keith David – because of course it took two of the greatest voices in the world to sire a character that would eventually have the all-time great voice of James Earl Jones) and he was rescued by Taka (Theo Somolu), an unblemished prince from a faraway pride who is quick to consider him a brother. King Obasi (Lennie James) allows Mufasa to live with the pride on the condition that he mostly live with the lionesses, led by Queen Eshe (Thandiwe Newton). This is supposed to be humiliation, but while Taka grows up learning rotten lessons from his jerk father, Mufasa picks up useful practical skills. He’s even able to protect Taka and Eshe from the son of evil lion Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), who sets his sights on wiping out the entire pride, sending Taka and Mufasa fleeing toward a sanctuary called Milele.             Along the way, Mufasa (now Aaron Pierre) and Taka (now Kelvin Harrison Jr.) make friends with Rafiki, as well as fellow lion Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) and her guide-bird Zazu (Preston Nyman), and they form an unlikely pack. Both Taka and Mufasa develop feelings for Sarabi, but Mufasa is bound by his honor to defer to Taka. Sarabi falls for Mufasa anyway, and Taka considers it a betrayal. The team has to not only worry about making it to Milele with Kiros in pursuit, but dissention between two lions that were, for all intents and purposes, brothers.             Yes, it’s easy to see where the story is going when you consider that certain characters have to end up in certain places by the time “The Lion King” rolls around. Yes, the animation still isn’t great, but it’s only obnoxiously bad in close-ups, which admittedly the film does far too often. And yes, the songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda (which sometimes invoke “Moana” more than the actual “Moana” sequel from a few weeks back) aren’t as memorable as the Elton John songs from 1994. But sorry, no, none of that ruins the movie for me. I still found myself invested in these characters, Timon and Pumbaa aside. I see enough effort and passion here that I’m willing to give “Mufasa: The Lion King” a very shaky recommendation.   Grade: B-   “Mufasa: The Lion King” is rated PG for action/violence, peril and some thematic elements. Its running time is 118 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Recently a man we know died in his nineties, after serving in the military until he retired and then had a long career as a police officer until retirement again. Jimmy covered his beat not in a patrol car or on foot, but on the back of a horse. At one point, he became a training officer for young police cadets, teaching young men and women how to do their job with the help of their faithful, four-footed companion. The night before the service for Jimmy, we had the honor of sitting with the family and listening to stories of his life as a husband, dad, and also as a police officer. He evidently was quite a man in many ways, loved and respected by family, friends, and coworkers alike. His family told us how in one training session for the police officers, Jimmy was busy instructing the cadets when suddenly his horse began objecting quite strenuously to having someone seated on his back. That animal wanted to go back to the barn, and nobody or nothing was going to stand in his way. In the process of trying to rid himself of a rider, Jimmy was suddenly sent flying over the horse’s head. Unbelievably, Jettisoned Jimmy somehow landed on his feet. Undaunted by this quick and unexpected dismount, Jimmy quickly squared his shoulders, and looking directly into the eyes of his trainees, and calmly explained, “And that, men, is how we dismount in McCurtain County of Oklahoma!” Funny stuff indeed.  But it is more than just a story that makes you laugh and at the same time admire the man. True, Jimmy displayed impressive skills as a horseman, and quick thinking as a leader in front of his men.   But even more remarkable was Jimmy’s ability to take an ‘Oops’ moment and turn it into a Wow!! story that was told by his family for years afterwards. Folks, do not underestimate the power in the true story you have just read. This wasn’t just a fluke in life – something that came from Jimmy’s brain and out of his mouth with no rhyme nor reason. The victory that you see in that incident was the result of living his life for many years with an attitude of “I won’t let life get the best of me. I will take whatever unexpected heartaches and problems that come crashing into my  life, and I will deal with them in the best way possible. I will  How do the Jimmys of the world do that? Are they simply more-than-human? Do they possess some sort of unbelievable and unattainable abilities that the rest of us can never hope to achieve? Yes, Jimmy B. was special, no doubt. But he became the man he was because he was smart enough to lean on his faith. He leaned on a God that he recognized as being a lot more able than himself. Worth learning.

By Kara Kimbrough Hoppin' John, served with a slice of cornbread, is a great New Year's Day meal or the perfect way to recycle leftover black-eyed peas on Jan. 2.  Disclaimer:  I don’t believe in luck. You'll never hear me say that I’ve been “lucky” when something good comes my way. I’ll use the word “fortunate,” but I'll steer clear of the “L word.” However, like any good Southerner, sitting down to a traditional plate of cabbage, black-eyed peas, pork and cornbread on New Year’s Day is a can't-miss ritual. It’s not because I fear a year of bad luck, but for two much more important reasons. It’s a fun tradition to maintain along with millions of other Southerners. Most important, if cooked the right way, these dishes are really, really good. Southerners often get a bad rap for clinging to centuries-old traditions, but a little research proved we’re not alone. Other foods that show up around the first day of the New Year in other parts of the U.S. and world include: Pork and sauerkraut: Germans and Eastern Europeans annually serve sauerkraut on the first day of the New Year with their “lucky pork.” Like Southerners, they believe cabbage resembles money and increases in value when cooked. Lentils: Due to their coin-like appearance, Italians prepare a meal of pork sausage and lentils on the first day of the year to secure prosperity in the coming 365 days. Lettuce and noodles: Similar to our cabbage, the Chinese wrap their food in the leafy green vegetables during the Chinese New Year and for good reason. Lettuce in their native tongue means "rising fortune." Likewise, long noodles are common fare during Chinese New Year. Also served in Japan on Jan. 1, the uncut pasta symbolizes a long life. When our global neighbors research America’s New Year’s Day food traditions, they’ll inevitably read about Hoppin’ John. Southerners eat this dish containing a combination of two supposedly “luck” ingredients, pork and black-eyed peas. Pork is considered lucky because of a pig's tendency to root forward, paving the way for wealth and prosperity in the coming year. And to the starving residents of Civil War-era Vicksburg, where the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day began, lowly field peas were their saving grace when Union troops bombed the town and torched the crops for good measure. The Yankees left the peas because they considered them useless. The joke was on them, as the leftover peas kept residents alive and well-fed until conditions improved. Out of that terrible time during the Civil War, a powerful lesson or two evolved that still holds true today: black-eyed peas, when cooked properly and served with a side of cornbread, are really delicious. And last, never count out Mississippians when it comes to creating a nourishing meal out of whatever we find on hand. After you've enjoyed a delicious New Year's Day meal of one or a selection of these Southern traditional foods or just your own favorite dishes, I hope you go on to experience a healthy, prosperous and blessed 2025! Fortunate 2025 Hoppin’ John Two cups black-eyed peas, cooked Two cups rice, cooked Two tablespoons butter Small onion, chopped Small red or green bell pepper, chopped¼ teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste1 link of smoked sausage, cooked and sliced thin, optional Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic powder and cook for five minutes. Add cooked peas, rice and cooked sausage (if using) and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

By Kara Kimbrough Grapevine, Texas is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas.       A trip to the Christmas Capital of Texas  should  produce a column on…well, all things merry and bright…right? Don’t worry, everything you’d possibly want to know about Christmas in Grapevine, Texas, a magical place that adequately lives up to its official title bestowed by the Texas State Legislature, is forthcoming. Since it’s a little late to make Christmas travel plans, a complete list of reasons you should strongly consider a visit to the quaint, but lively city located just minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport will be shared in time for Christmas 2025.     As a teaser, I  will  say that right now, Grapevine rivals any Hallmark Christmas movie ever produced. I’m basing this statement on the sheer number of elaborate red, green and white twinkling decorations covering almost every inch of the downtown area and beyond; Grapevine’ festive Christmas parade, the longest lighted holiday parade in the entire state of Texas and over 1,400 events spread over a mere 40 days.    A few of the special events I enjoyed during a recent short trip included a ride on a vintage train complete with jolly carol-singing sessions;  watching the spectacular Christmas parade in the crisp night air while sipping hot chocolate and nibbling on sugar cookies (sound like a Hallmark movie yet?) and a North Pole experience at the stunning Gaylord Texas Resort, which is also decorated with millions of twinkling lights, gorgeous flowers and over-the-top holiday décor.     Ice! is a dazzling holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice  sculptures, snow banks, frozen slides and tunnels. To illustrate just how realistic it is, donning a heavy parka only an Eskimo would appreciate is required to brave frigid single-digit temps.    You simply can’t depart Grapevine after a visit during the Christmas season without being infiltrated with the festive holiday spirit. But again, more details about the places to see and experience will be shared a little later.    Tolbert's chili is known as some of the best in Texas-- I agree. The recipe for authentic Texas chili is a little lengthy, so email me and I'll send it to you.   Right now, I’ve just got share some incredible recipes I picked up in Grapevine or at least, received inspiration to find ones that were similar to the food I sampled. Here, in no particular order, are a few of my best food finds: 1.  Best chili ever at Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor – Some call Tolbert’s chili the “best in Texas” and after sampling it, I tend to agree. I rushed straight from DFW to the downtown Grapevine restaurant and within minutes, excitedly dipped a spoon into a steaming, hearty bowl of chili. Tolbert’s version exceeded my high chili expectations. A thick mixture of beef, tomatoes and several spices (and to my delight, no beans) was so good that I alternated between enjoying heaping spoonfuls and digging in with homemade tortilla chips. I’ve seen copycat recipes online, but since I’m not sure which one is accurate, I found a recipe for Texas chili that looks similar. Due to space restrictions, drop me an email and I’ll share it with you.  2.    French pastries in, yes, a Texas town – The name should have given it away – “ Chez Fabien for breakfast” was listed on the itinerary. Still, I had no idea of the delights that awaited. The French bistro serves a dizzying array of breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner items in its main dining areas. After enjoying a delicious breakfast of fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and topped with maple syrup, I stepped into an adjacent room and discovered where the magic happens. In the bakery, rows of creative cakes, pies, sweet breads and an assortment of decadent pastries provide a feast for the eyes. A delicate almond croissant was my favorite among several samples. My only disappointment was not purchasing a loaf of German Christmas stollen bread the first day I spotted it. I had to depart before their stock was replenished, leaving me inspired to create my own version at home. Apple chutney is a delicious addition to a charcuterie board of meats, fruits and cheeses.  3.    Appetizers in an unusual setting – After attending a wine tasting in a wine shop, you’d assume the fruity beverage would be the topic of conversation. Ironically, it was the appetizers prepared by the owner that had our group buzzing. Besides charcuterie boards of sliced cheeses and meats, we were served bowls of spiced nuts, apple chutney spread and gingerbread cookies to complement each sample. The owner kindly shared the recipe for the spiced nuts; I found a similar recipe online for apple chutney. Apple chutney is delicious as a spread for crackers, meats and cheeses, as a topping on bagels and cream cheese or as a tangy addition to a grilled cheese or meat-based sandwich.    I’m omitting many of the memorable meals, ranging from Italian fare to gourmet deli sandwiches rivaling those I've tasted in New York City to grilled pizzas served at restaurants throughout the bustling city. I’ll share more in my “Hallmark Movie Town in Texas” column next year. Until then, try these recipes to experience “just a little” of the wonderful things Grapevine, Texas has to offer. Apple Chutney Spread  2 apples  1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup 1/2 of medium yellow onion or 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground ginger (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 lemon – zest and juice     Peel and finely chop apples into small pieces. Add the apples, red wine vinegar, honey, onion, ginger and garlic in a heavy bottomed pan, then place pan over low heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. While cooking, make sure to stir often.      Using a micro-plane grater, zest the lemon, being careful to not get any of the white part. Add the zest into the pan with the apple mixture. Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze juice into the pan; stir to combine. As mixture cooks, apples and onion should turn a golden brown like the honey.      After 15 minutes (if mixture has thickened) remove from heat and stir well. If more “heat” or seasoning is desired, add a pinch of chili flakes, salt and pepper. Spiced Rosemary Nuts 3 cups salted mixed nuts 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the nuts, melted butter, rosemary, brown sugar and cayenne in a large bowl until combined. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the nuts until fragrant and toasted, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at  kkprco@yahoo.com .

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Central Hinds Academy Beauty and Beau Pageant, set to take place on Thursday, January 18, at Hinds Community College. The event promises an afternoon of elegance, featuring students from the academy showcasing their style, poise, and personality. The Junior High portion of the pageant begins at 3:00 PM, with the High School competition to follow. Attendees can look forward to a celebration of confidence and charm as participants compete for the coveted titles. In the spirit of the event, Best Nail Spa in Raymond is offering a 15% discount for all Central Hinds Academy students and teachers from January 11 through January 18. This special promotion ensures that everyone can feel their best for the big day. Don’t miss this exciting showcase of talent and grace as Central Hinds Academy highlights its outstanding students in this annual tradition!

By Douglas Carswell Remember when Japan was predicted to overtake America?  Back in the 1980s, Japan was the coming country. Japan’s economy had enjoyed decades of rapid growth. Her exports where everywhere, and with inventions like the Sony Walkman, it looked as though Japan was the technological future, too. America looked like a power in decline. Forty years ago, many traditional US industries were failing. Crime seemed out of control.   By the mid 1990s, Japan’s GDP was 71 percent that of the US - and the gap looked to be closing. One “expert”, Herman Kahn predicted that Japan would surpass America as the world’s largest economy by 2000. Today? Japan’s economy is a quarter the size of America’s. Japan hasn’t produced much innovation since the Tamagotchi (Don’t ask). Despite all the talk about Japanese electronic wizardry, the great digital innovations of the past few decades have happened on this side of the Pacific.  Today, of course, we’re told that the great ascending power is not Japan, but China. China’s economic growth over the past 40 years has been phenomenal. In industry after industry, Chinese exports have crushed the competition. China, unlike Japan, is not just an economic competitor but a strategic rival to the United States, pursuing an aggressively expansionist policy in the Pacific, south Asia and parts of Africa. By 2021, China’s GDP was almost 80 percent that of the US and the experts were telling us China would overtake America within a couple of decades.   But look at what has happened since. China’s economy seems to have peaked as a percentage of US output. China has even more debt-induced malinvestment than Japan had during the 80s asset bubble.  Chinese demographics (current Total Fertility Rate 1.02) are in an even worse shape than Japan’s (TFR 1.30). And China’s fiscal position is unlikely to improve with all of President Xi’s imperial ambitions to fund.  As recently as 2008, Europe’s economy was about the same size as the United States’. Today, America’s economy is twice the size of Europe’s. Looking at the number of large companies established over the past 50 years on either side of the Atlantic. Home Depot, a single US company, eclipses all the new businesses created in the European Union since 1974. So why are Japan, China and Europe all in their different ways underperforming America? Because each are, in their different ways, reverting back to a type of political economic tradition far less successful than America’s. Japan, superficially Western in so many ways since 1945, has behind that façade a strongly corporatist political economy. A handful of well-connected conglomerates are able to dominate markets, but shielded from internal competition, they don’t innovate. (To appreciate how stifling this is, try to imagine what America might be like, for example, if IBM was the only computer company, with all the competitors kept out.) China, after a brief move towards market liberalization begun by Deng Xiaoping, is reverting to what you might think of as a Ming tradition. Dissent is stamped on. A bureaucratic elite micromanages and controls. The sclerotic effects are already being felt.   Europe, repeated rescued from an indigenous form of autocracy by the Anglosphere powers (1704, 1815, 1914, 1944, Cold War), is tragically reverting to type. Today, a courtly elite enthroned in Brussels attempts to regulate and control ever more aspects of social and economic life across the Continent, destroying it in the process (Mercifully, Britain escaped from this in 2016 and might yet return to a more Atlantic tradition).  To flourish, the United States needs to stay true to the political and economic model envisaged by the Founders; limited government, lower taxes and liberty. The good news is that with the new administration in Washington, this may well be about to happen. Elon Musk is determined not only to cut federal spending (something America urgently needs to do to avoid bankruptcy). He is looking to turbo charge productivity growth, moving people from the public to the private sector, and radically cut red tape. Reports of America’s relative decline seem to me to be wildly exaggerated. If Musk and co deliver half of what they are promising, we might just be on the cusp of an extraordinary period of progress and innovation in America. The divergence between America and the rest of the world is only going to accelerate.  I feel an overwhelming sense of privilege to be onboard!   Douglas Carswell is the President and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. He was previously a Member of the British Parliament for 12 years.