By Bob Garver               It was in the spring of 2004 that I first saw Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth perform the show-stopping “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” at the Tony Awards. Since that moment was over 20 years ago, it means that I have waited literal decades for a big-screen version of “Wicked.” I’ve more than satisfied my appetite for the stage version, having seen it five times, once with Menzel still in the cast (sadly never with Chenoweth). But I’ve always wanted the vast production to be available to the world, with added scale and visual spectacle to boot. Now the wait is finally over, and the result is… reasonably acceptable.             The story takes place before, during, and after the well-known events of “The Wizard of Oz.” As this film is only the first part of a two-part saga, it mostly focuses on the “before,” though it opens in the “after.” Glinda (Ariana Grande), the “Good Witch of the North,” informs the citizens of Munchkinland that Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the “Wicked Witch of the West,” has been killed via melting. The townspeople are overjoyed that the local villain has been thwarted, but some want to know how she came to be so wicked in the first place. Glinda recalls that their paths crossed years ago, and the rest of the movie is a flashback.             Elphaba and Galinda (as she was then known) were students together at the prestigious Shiz University. Elphaba’s green skin made her an outcast even in her own family, and she was only allowed to attend so she could tend to her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), who used a wheelchair. Galinda was pretty and popular, but also spoiled and egotistical. Her (figurative) bubble was burst when, for the first time in her life, she wasn’t given preferential treatment over someone like Elphaba. Goat-professor Dr. Dillamond (Peter Dinklage) couldn’t even pronounce the first vowel in her name, yet got along with Elphaba because she was kind to animals at a time when the land of Oz was turning against them. Magic professor Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) also preferred Elphaba because she had natural telekinetic abilities while Galinda didn’t have an ounce of magic in her body. Even studly prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) found Elphaba more intriguing precisely because she didn’t fall for his “brainless bad-boy” routine. The girls started off loathing each other, but became friends after Galinda (with selfish ulterior motives) got Nessarose a date with nerdy munchkin Boq (Ethan Slater).             Eventually, word of Elphaba’s magical prowess reached the Emerald City, earning her an audience with the all-powerful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). Glinda tagged along to meet the mysterious Wizard, and together the pair discovered that his power was more about charisma than magic, though the magic Elphaba could do was real. For example, she could give wings to the Wizard’s monkey guards so they could fly. She could even give the power of flight to nonliving things, like a broom. After a falling-out with The Wizard, Elphaba became the most feared person in all of Oz, but was it justified?             “Wicked” certainly succeeds in delivering the epic proportions that I demand, including an epic 160-minute runtime that I didn’t necessarily demand. That’s a mere five minutes short of the length of the Broadway show, and this movie only covers Act 1. Sometimes the extra length is good, it means that the movie can throw in bonus content like a stage show in the Emerald City that had the audience at my screening squealing with delight. Other times it just makes the movie plodding, or interferes with the flow of key moments. I hate to say it, but “Defying Gravity” is thrown off because the movie wants to do more visually than the song’s traditional runtime will allow, so some extra beats have been added that I don’t think serve it well. This movie has all the magic of the stage version and more, I just don’t think I care much for the “more.”   Grade: B   “Wicked” is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material. Its running time is 160 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Little Jimmy was one of those eight-year-boys who seem to be able to find a mud puddle in the Sahara Desert. And within seconds have his body covered with it. Sandy hair falling over mischievous bright eyes, he was an intelligent, energetic kid who had a boundless love of life. Jimmy wasn’t exactly a deliberately disobedient child, but his exuberant love of adventure seemed to cause him to have a lot of difficulty staying within his dad’s boundaries. Repeated warnings, lectures, and flat-out punishment changed nothing. Eventually, Dad finally reached the point of holding Jimmy seriously accountable. After the latest bad decision to flaunt the rules, Dad called the boy into the kitchen for a serious talk. He sat Jimmy down at the table, moved the salt and pepper shakers aside, and with a stern face he leaned in close. “Son, do you have any idea how disappointed I am in you tonight?” Jimmy’s head dropped, “Ummm, I, uhhhh,” wiggle, squirm, “I dunno know what you’re talkin’ ‘bout, Dad.” “Yes, I’m pretty certain you do, Jimmy. And I’m also pretty certain you remember from the last time this happened that I told you the penalty for this was going to be stiff. And I meant exactly what I said.” More wiggling and squirming. “Jimmy, do you remember what I told you I would have to do, if you decided to disobey me again?” Dad sat quietly while Jimmy squirmed, and shuffled his restless feet. Waiting patiently for his son to confess. Seconds passed into minutes as the little boy struggled with rebellion, telling the truth, his guilt, and his fear of punishment. Finally, the dam broke. With a sigh, the guilt came out in a storm of tears as Jimmy looked up into his dad’s eyes and started owning up. Even stuff that his dad had never heard before now. Choking with conflicting emotions of anger and unconditional love, he gathered his little guilt- ridden criminal into his arms and waited for the tears to stop. Finally, only sniffles remained. “Son, I’m so glad you’ve told all this to me. Now, your honest tears are going to make a difference in what I must do because I am your dad. But son, there are some apologies and pay- back to the neighbors you are going to have to make. You are going to have to make things right.” Dad held Jimmy away and looked squarely in his eyes. “But you better understand this. My forgiveness tonight does not mean that you will get by with this behavior from now on, with no consequences. You’re too big for this to continue, you understand?” Folks, little Jimmy is you and me. And that dad is your God and Creator. And His forgiveness, when our honest tears of repentance fall, is very real. But, like Jimmy’s dad said, you gotta confess.

by Allen Thomas, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration Did you know that more than 80% of Americans trust small businesses and believe it's important to support them? This 2024 Small Business Saturday is for YOU. Americans understand that small businesses contribute to the relevancy of their communities, support local non-profits, employ more than half of our workforce and are a significant economic engine both locally and nationally. Additionally, about 80% of small business owners say that the end of the year spending by customers is important for their bottom line. These are just some of the reasons why we encourage people who invest in their communities to actively participate in Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business. This is the season for entrepreneurs to shine! The Saturday after Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season is the perfect time to drop by unique retail shops, scrumptious eateries and businesses offering memorable experiences. Even if you prefer to shop online, you can still purchase goods and services from small businesses through their websites. Small Business Saturday was launched by American Express in 2010, with the SBA joining as a co-sponsor in 2011. Since then, the popularity of Small Business Saturday has grown significantly. According to the National Retail Foundation, 2023's Small Business Saturday was an incredibly popular shopping day. To build on this holiday tradition, the SBA launched the Season of Small Business last year to encourage local spending throughout this festive time of year and beyond November 30th. Wherever you live, small businesses are eager to meet your needs this holiday season. Here are some ideas to celebrate Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business: Make supporting small businesses a full day of fun! Begin your day by inviting a friend to enjoy a warm beverage and treat, take in some small business shopping, try out a new eatery for lunch, visit a hands-on craft shop for an activity then top off the day with a relaxing dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Go to an in-town activity like a tree-lighting, community theater show or choir performance, visiting a local restaurant before or after. It's also a terrific way to interact with others who love your community, too. Take pics when you're shopping, eating or experiencing a small business. Check-in at the business, post to social media and tag the business. Let others know about your memorable experience. Use hashtags for even more exposure: #ShopSmall, #ShopSmallSaturday and #SeasonofSmallBiz Set aside a portion of your holiday budget specifically for small business products and services. If you are a small business owner, you may want to consider adding some additional marketing and outreach ideas to your plans: Visit SBA's Small Business Saturday site:  Small Business Saturday | U.S. Small Business Administration Check out SBA's info page for Season of Small Business:  Season of Small Business | U.S. Small Business Administration Call out Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business in your social media posts and comments by using the following hashtags: #ShopSmall #ShopSmallSaturday #SeasonofSmallBiz Follow the SBA on social media for additional tips on how to make Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business make a difference for your small business. Be sure to make a positive impact on your own communities by shopping and dining SMALL on Small Business Saturday and throughout the Season of Small Business and know that you have made a positive contribution to your own community! For more information on how the SBA can assist your small business start, grow, expand or recover, please visit  www.sba.gov . Para Español visita  www.sba.gov/es   To schedule an interview with Beto Yarce or learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration, please contact: Lola Kress, SBA Regional Communications Director:  lola.kress@SBA.gov

By Kara Kimbrough    Thanksgiving is upon us and while it might seem impossible, there IS still time to get a decent meal on the table in mere hours. Of course, it involves a Crockpot to speed up the cooking process of a turkey breast since thawing a full-size frozen turkey is pretty much impossible at this late date, along with a quick trip to the supermarket for ingredients... but it can be done.    I’m living proof that a delicious Thanksgiving meal can be cooked and placed on the table in hours. Four years ago, forever known as “the COVID holidays,” I was forced to pivot and create a Thanksgiving meal with little notice. I’m sharing a few of my favorite recipes from what can only be described as a learning experience that resulted in a delicious meal and plenty of leftovers.     If you’d like additional Thanksgiving recipes, drop me an email and I’ll get them to you tonight. Trust me, there’ll still be plenty of time for one last trip to the grocery store.     Happy Thanksgiving! No Fuss, No Muss Turkey Breast 5-6-pound bone in turkey breast, thoroughly thawed 2 yellow onions, peeled and halved For Turkey Butter: Stick of unsalted butter, softened (or butter substitute) 1 tablespoon each: minced garlic, dry mustard, fresh rosemary, sage and thyme leaves, finely chopped Teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground pepper (or use Mrs. Dash) Mix ingredients together.      To prepare turkey:  Loosen skin from thawed turkey and pat breast dry. Use a small knife to cut slit on one side to separate skin from flesh. Using a butter knife, lift skin and coat breast with half of the butter. Coat the surface skin, including underside, with remaining butter. (If you prefer a lot of butter, simply double the recipe and amounts used to coat breast and skin.)     Season skin by sprinkling lightly with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper or Mrs. Dash.     Place onion halves in bottom of 5 quart or larger Crockpot. Place turkey on top, skin side up. Cook 6 hours on low (check temperature after 5 hours) until internal temperature reads 165 degrees when meat thermometer is inserted into the middle.      Transfer turkey to baking tray (reserve juices in Crockpot). Cover loosely with foil, rest for 20 minutes. Preheat oven broiler to high in preparation for final browning of turkey. ·      Important step for browning:  Drizzle turkey very lightly with olive oil, not butter, to avoid burning. Place on a metal pan and put under a broiler at least 12 inches from heat for 5 to 10 minutes until skin is crispy. Watch very closely to make sure skin doesn’t burn. Serve with gravy. No Fuss, No Muss Turkey Gravy Crockpot juices (supplement with chicken broth or stock if desired) ½ cup water ¼ cup all-purpose    Ladle cooking juices from bottom of Crockpot into a bowl and press juices out of onions; set aside. In a non-stick skillet, mix flour and water until smooth, then stir in cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 3-5 minutes.  Notes: Adjust Crock-pot cooking time for larger turkey breasts. Meat is lean, so serve warm to maintain moistness. Chicken and Dressing Casserole 2-3 pounds boneless chicken breast filets or tenders, cooked and shredded (about 4 cups) 6 cups coarsely crumbled cornbread (I don’t recommend Jiffy Mix for this recipe) 8 slices white bread, torn 3 1/2 cups chicken broth 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup 1 medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter, cut into small      Heat oven to 400 degrees Spray 13x9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients except butter. Spoon mixture into baking dish. Dot evenly with butter.  Bake uncovered about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown Green Beans and Bacon 2 pounds fresh or frozen green beans (I prefer French style, but you can use cut beans) 1-pound bacon (don’t use thick-cut) 1 stick butter ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce (more to taste) 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (more to taste)  1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons minced garlic   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. If using fresh green beans, trim ends and blanch for 5 minutes in salted boiling water. Prepare frozen beans according to package directions. Pour drained green beans into a lightly buttered 13x9 inch baking dish.    In skillet, fry bacon until done, but not super crispy. Drain grease from bacon, chop coarsely on a cutting board and place 1/2 of bacon pieces over green beans.   In medium saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and garlic to melted butter. Pour butter mixture over green beans and bacon. Lightly toss with spoon to thoroughly coat beans. (I add a little bacon grease to the beans, but this is optional.) Top with remaining bacon pieces.      Bake for 30 minutes or until beans are bubbly and bacon is crisp. Easy and Delicious Thanksgiving Dessert When Time is Short!  Marie Callendar’s Pecan, Dutch Apple or Lattice Apple Pie Note: All possess above-average crusts, not-so-sweet fillings and crunchy, almost-homemade toppings. At less than $10 each, it's a delicious, economical dessert. If you want to pass it off as your own, simply transfer it before baking into one of your own pie plates. Top with ice cream or whipped cream and serve! Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

On Monday, December 2nd, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) and the White House National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. will hold a public forum at Hinds Community College to highlight the excellent work in Central Mississippi by local higher education institutions to strengthen the local cybersecurity workforce and expand the broader cyber ecosystem to build the cyber talent the nation needs. This event is open to the media and will include a panel discussion moderated by Hinds Community College Vice President Dr. Ginger Robbins.   In addition to the public forum, Congressman Thompson and Director Coker will tour Hinds’ Raymond Campus and meet with administrators and students from local colleges and universities – including Hinds Community College, Jackson State University, and Tougaloo College.    Details:   WHEN: 12:30pm CT, Monday, December 2nd   WHERE: Hinds Community College (Raymond Campus), Sonny Fountain Hall, 501 E. Main Street, Raymond, MS 39154   SPEAKERS: Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security Hon. Harry Coker, Jr., White House National Cyber Director Dr. Ginger Robbins, Vice President of Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs, Hinds Community College   PANEL DISCUSSION: Dr. Ginger Robbins, moderator Dr. Jonathan Townes, Vice President of Career and Technical Education and HBCU Initiatives, Hinds Community College Dr. Demetria Howard White, Director of Academic Computing, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, and Cybersecurity Clinic Director, Tougaloo College Dr. Wilbur L. Walters, Jr., Dean for the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University

By: Bob Garver             “Red One” desperately wants to be an “edgy” Christmas movie. Edgy Christmas movies throughout history have included everything from raunchy comedies (“Bad Santa,” “The Ref”) to intense action (“Fatman,” “Violent Night”) to straight-up horror (“Black Christmas,” “Silent Night, Deadly Night”). When edgy movies turn Christmas on its head just right, they can become blockbusters and classics like “Home Alone” or “Die Hard.” When they fail, well, they’ll do whatever “Red One” is going to do at the box office because this movie is a big miss.             The heroes of “Red One” are security chief Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) and hacker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). Callum works for the one and only Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons), and both love delivering presents to the good people of the world. But Cal has become jaded and lost passion for his work. It’s not that he doesn’t love being around Santa and his positive energy, he just thinks that the world has become overrun by people like Jack. Jack is a deadbeat dad, an unscrupulous hacker, and – given that he literally steals candy from a baby in the film’s opening moments – a total sociopath. I know the point is to show that this character needs the redemption that he’ll earn through the rest of the movie, but after he does that, I wasn’t rooting for him to earn anything besides a prison cell.             Despite Callum’s best efforts, Santa gets kidnapped by evil witch Gryla (Kiernan Shipka). Callum’s boss Harlow (Lucy Liu) learns that Jack did some hacking in relation to the abduction, and orders him brought in for questioning. The civilian gets a peek at the M.O.R.A. (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority), which hints at the start of a cinematic universe that I doubt will ever be expanded.             Jack doesn’t know who exactly was paying him, but middleman Ted (Nick Kroll) might. Cal reluctantly escorts Jack to Aruba to follow the lead. The scenes in Aruba last about five minutes, yet I suspect that about $200 million of this film’s reported $250 million cost was spent there. The money sure didn’t go toward making the movie decent, I can assure you of that.             Jack and Cal eventually have to visit Santa’s brother (Kristofer Hivju) for more information. The film builds suspense around the identity of the brother, and I was like, “Krampus, right?” The movie treats the answer like some kind of big reveal, but I was more shocked that Benedict Cumberbatch in “Star Trek Into Darkness” wasn’t playing a guy named Harrison.             Jack and Cal make a pair of unlikely partners as they race to save Santa by Christmas. There are chases and fights and hustles and one-liners, barely any of which are funny and none of which are exciting. The action scenes are all murky and cheap, and Gryla is one of the most underwhelming villains in recent memory. Somewhere along the way, Jack gets the redemption he needs and Cal learns to see the good he needs to see – which means he’s not watching this movie.             Since “Red One” is all about the season of giving, I’ll give the movie a gift and boost it above a “D” rating. The reason is simple: J.K. Simmons. The Oscar-winner is primarily responsible for the one good scene in the movie, where Santa and Cal debate the necessity of generosity in an increasingly-cruel world. And I guess some of the tricks Santa uses to visit houses all over the world are cute – like wormholes, transformation technology, and military escorts (“Red One” refers to the sleigh, by the way). But the movie spends a good 90% of its runtime in “D” territory. The better edgy Christmas movie of 2024 was “Terrifier 3,” and it’ll be a Christmas miracle if that one stays in theaters much longer.   Grade: C-   “Red One” is rated PG-13 for action, some violence, and language. Its running time is 123 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Empower Mississippi has just announced speakers for its annual Solutions Summit set for December 10. Kyle Mann, Editor-in-Chief of the popular satirical news site The Babylon Bee, will give the keynote presentation. Mississippi Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Jason White were also announced as speakers for the Summit this week.  Mann is a prolific comedy writer, public speaker and podcast host who has written thousands of headlines and articles for The Babylon Bee. Known for his wit, humor, and thought-provoking commentary, Mann brings a fresh voice to important conversations shaping our society today. The annual Empower Solutions Summit brings together Mississippi's leaders, policy experts, and everyday citizens for a solutions-centered discussion on how to tackle our biggest challenges and help all Mississippians rise. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy panel discussions and in-depth conversations on topics critical to our state's future, including workforce development, criminal justice, and education.  The Empower Solutions Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Sheraton Refuge Hotel & Conference Center, located at 2200 Refuge Boulevard in Flowood, with a reception to follow. Tickets to the event are now available, and the full slate of speakers and panelists will be released in the coming weeks. For more information or to register for the Summit, visit  empowerms.org/empower-solutions-summit .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Everybody knows finances are tight today. Now, one can only hope against hope that by the time this column hits your hands, the sentence I just wrote is a lie. That by some miracle the ever- escalating balloon of inflation in our country has run into a sharp knife and rapidly became a splattered has-been on the ground. I’m hoping all of us are crowding the stores, once again stocking our pantries and keeping our credit cards smoking. Yeah, I know, the eternal optimist. But let me leave that topic for a few paragraphs, because this eternal optimist wants to take you on a trip into the very near future – Thanksgiving Day. You remember it - the Feast To End All Feasts, or unfortunately in some households, the Fight To End All Fights. Now I could wax eloquent on the true meaning of that holiday, our gratefulness for blessings, the chance to gather around a groaning table, being with loved ones, and thanking our Creator for His presence in our lives. I could, but not this time. This time I choose to tell a very different truth, one that I fear smacks way too many folks right in their face. That truth? Thanksgiving Day means Christmas Day is only twenty-seven panicky, stressful days away! Honestly, with that thought, who can relax enough to sit down at the dining room table and peacefully gorge themselves on Lucy’s homemade noodles and Uncle Roger’s deep-fried turkey, followed by six slices of Mom’s pecan pie. Knowing that marathon days of working your regular job, housecleaning, grocery shopping, Christmas parties, and expensive gift-buying are getting ready to descend on you like a ton of bricks falling off a freight train. But, let me be your champion, your hero, your lifesaver! Ready for a thought-provoking idea that could rescue you from some of that dreaded drudgery? Here it is; on Thanksgiving Day, by all means, bake your favorite green-bean casserole, whip up those deviled eggs, and sail into Grandma’s house with a smile or a frown for everyone there. Be the life of the party, or the grouch in the corner – whatever makes you comfortable. Eat, drink, and play your part in that scenario. But. After you have cleaned your overloaded plate for the last time, make your move. Deliberately lean forward, clear your throat, and then loudly proclaim that this presidential election was bogus, all kinds of cheating has been proven, and you are more than ready to take on anyone who is ready to challenge what you just said. I almost guarantee you this; your next twenty-seven days will miraculously clear themselves of a lot of clutter. Oh sure, you will still have to appear at work every day, but many family Christmas get- togethers could likely disappear, and all the pressure of obligatory gift-buying could shrink to an all-time low. Inflation or not, you will save some of your money. Despised in the family maybe, but you could relax in your recliner a lot more.

The Mississippi Public Service Commission has been made aware of a scam targeting businesses, especially LLCs, who are required to submit an annual report to the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office each fiscal year. The scam consists of a misleading mailer sent by a private entity called C.F.S. In the mailer, the company offers to prepare 2025 annual reports for a $125.00 fee. The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office has previously shared  warnings  of this scam. It's important for both businesses and consumers to stay alert during the holiday season, as scams tend to increase. The Commissioners highlight the need for vigilance to protect against fraudulent activities. Always check the legitimacy of any calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from companies or government entities requesting payment, and never share personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you are sure of the recipient's identity. Be wary of red flags, including high-pressure tactics, threats, or offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often play on emotions, especially during the holidays. Ensure that everyone in your household or business is aware of common scams and knows how to respond. Staying informed and cautious can help protect you and your community during the festive season. Businesses may report deceptive or misleading solicitations to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline is 1-800-281-4418.

The Town of Bolton is currently seeking a dependable and hardworking individual to fill the role of General Maintenance Man. This position offers a great opportunity to contribute to the community by helping maintain public spaces and facilities. Responsibilities include maintaining town properties, handling minor repairs, and ensuring public spaces are safe and welcoming for residents. If you’re ready to support Bolton’s growth and beautification, don’t miss this opportunity!  Interested candidates should contact Town Hall at 601-866-2221 for details and application instructions.

By: Kara Kimbrough  I’ve often shared my love of food stores…large supermarkets…family-owned food markets…neighborhood grocery stores and local bakeries…I’m no discriminator between any of them. Bottom line: I just want to shop locally for my food. As a result, I recently explored a “supermarket on steroids” and compiled a list of my favorite products in case you’re ever near a Trader Joe’s store.      My obsession with supermarkets was primarily spurred by the 12+ years I spent as communications manager for Jitney Jungle Stores of America. I saw firsthand how supermarkets serve as an employer for thousands and are the heart of any community. Plus, I simply like selecting my own food items so that I can comparison shop (reading the shelf labels is a must) but make sure I’m getting the very best products.    As the holidays approach, I hope you’ll shop locally for your family’s meals. I realize some need the convenience of online ordering, but if you don’t, consider supporting local supermarkets, food stores and bakeries. The positive ripple effect of doing business with local businesses far surpasses any temporary convenience afforded by ordering from out-of-state corporations.   OK, I’ll get off my soapbox and share my thoughts on Trader Joe’s. For years, I’m listened to Mississippi friends talk about stopping by the Metairie location of the specialty supermarket when traveling near New Orleans. They shared the joys of purchasing hard-to-find gourmet items as well as the chain’s signature private label brand products. And, a couple of foodie friends from Jackson regularly drive straight to Trader Joe’s, shop for their favorite items and head straight back home.     After asking for their top picks and watching several online videos from devotees of the store, I was excited to take a short detour to Metairie while returning from a recent trip to New Orleans. Here are the items I’d definitely purchase again, along with my thoughts at the end: 1.     Apple cider doughnuts – Trader Joe’s bakery gets an A+ for its large selection of delicious specialty breads, muffins, pastries and doughnuts. The apple cider ones were so good that I ended up making a batch at home after the box was empty. 2.     Rustic apple galette – Again, Trader Joe’s bakery did not disappoint. This tasty deconstructed tart was one of my favorite items. 3.     Burrata, prosciutto and arugula frozen flatbread pizza – Trader Joe’s frozen offerings were touted as some of the best around. I must admit, I wasn’t overly impressed with what I found, but did love this pizza topped with delicious ingredients. 4.     Maple fudge – It’s rare to find prepackaged fudge that actually tastes fresh, but this product did. I loved the creamy taste, but was disappointed in the small package size. 5.     Cream cheese spreads – I love cream cheese in any form or flavor, so finding two spreadable versions – onion and chive and red bell pepper, garlic and parmesan – was a special treat.  On the flip side, I was disappointed in some items, either due to the price, product size or flavor. And, the Metairie location was either out of stock or had discontinued some of products I'd heard about or seen online. I'm glad I experienced it, but when it comes to specialty or “fun to shop” supermarkets, my allegiance remains with Jackson-area based Whole Foods and Fresh Market, along with the Gulf Coast’s Rouse’s stores.     After my Trader Joe’s experience, I searched for a recipe for one of my favorites, the rustic apple galette. It’s easy to put together, is the perfect accompaniment to morning coffee and serves as a delicious fall dessert. Rustic Apple Galette 1 single crust (can make or use prepared frozen crust) 3 large baking apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices 5 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon fine salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg, beaten 1 1/2 teaspoons water, divided Coarse sugar, for sprinkling 1 tablespoon apricot jam or jelly      Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees. If you have a baking stone, place on the rack to preheat with the oven.     Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator to soften slightly while you prepare the filling.      Gently toss apples, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and vanilla together in bowl.     Roll out the prepared dough into a 13-inch circle on lightly floured counter, then transfer to prepared pan.     Using a slotted spoon, pick up the apples from the bowl leaving the excess juices behind, and arrange them in center of dough, leaving 2-inch border around edge. Carefully grasp 1 edge of dough and fold up 2 inches over apples. Repeat around circumference of tart, overlapping dough every 2 inches; gently pinch pleated dough to secure, but do not press dough into fruit.    Beat the egg with 1/2 teaspoon of water. Brush all over the top crust. Sprinkle the crust with coarse sugar. Bake until crust is deep golden brown and fruit is bubbling, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Remove pan to a wire rack and let tart cool for 10 minutes.     While the galette cools, combine the apricot jam and 1 teaspoon of water in a small glass bowl. Microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until bubbling. Brush over the apples. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com .

by me At last check, there have been 58 fire deaths statewide in 2024. Unattended cooking was the cause in six of those fire deaths. There were seven cooking-related fire deaths in 2023. "Many people have family and friends over for the holiday," said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. "Don't let distractions put you and your guests in danger. Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove." Use these safety tips from the State Fire Marshal's Office when preparing your Thanksgiving meal: Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves that could catch fire. If you have young children, use the stove's back burners whenever possible. Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, pan and pot fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If you have a fire: Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave. Create an escape plan with multiple exits that all family members know and set a meeting place outside. If using a turkey fryer: Fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials. Some turkey fryers are designed for indoor use. If you use one of these, follow manufacturer directions carefully. Never use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck. Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Never leave the fryer unattended. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends you thaw a turkey 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office recommends, when using a propane fryer, using a hose at least 6 feet long to distance the propane tank from the fryers flame.